Johnson County Grand Jury Hands Down Eleven True Bills

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

When the Johnson County Grand Jury met in their monthly session it led to indictments on eleven people for various crimes including assault, burglary, trafficking and theft.

Four women were charged with a class C felony second-degree assault (complicity) and class D felony first-degree unlawful imprisonment (complicity).

The indictments of each of the women states that on July 18, 2023, Rebecca Lynn Fairchild, 53, of West Van Lear, Charlotte Wallen, 57, of Tutor Key, Leslie Faith Lyte (AKA Lite), 42, of Mason, Ohio, and Lora Hope Williams, 38, of Paintsville, along with a juvenile acting in complicity committed the offense of assault by intentionally assaulting Nannette Robinson causing serious physical injury.

The indictment also states that they all acted in complicity in the offense of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree by unlawfully restraining Robinson.

Lyte was also charged with a class D felony charge of first-degree strangulation when she committed the offense of intentionally and without consent, impedes the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another by applying pressure to the throat or neck of another or by blocking the nose or mouth of another person namely Robinson. Bail was set for $10,000 for each of the four.

Also indicted was Charles Hall, 51, of Staffordsville and Danny Vanhoose, 42, of Thelma.

Both men were indicted on charges of second-degree burglary (complicity), first-degree persistent felony, second-degree fleeing/evading (on foot) and resisting arrest.

The indictment states that on December 20, 2023, both, acting in complicity, committed the offense of burglary by unlawfully entering and remaining in a dwelling located on Cactus Drive in Paintsville owned by James Skaggs with the intent to comment the crime of theft.

Both men are accused of disregarding signals and commands to stop given by Troopers Ryan Hale and Matt Smith.

They are also accused of intentionally and unlawfully attempting to prevent officers from effecting an arrest by using, or threatening to use physical force against officers.

Vanhoose had an additional charge of possession of burglary tools when he was allegedly found to be in possession of tools, instruments or other items commonly used to commit forcible entry into premises. Bonds for each was set for $10,000.

John King, 29, of Paintsville, was indicted on charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine), possession or use of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication when on April 9 he allegedly committed the offense of unlawfully being in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. King was also said to be manifestly intoxicated to the degree he may endanger himself or other persons, property or reasonably annoy others in the vicinity. His bond was set at $5,000.

Michael Meeks, 47, of Flat Gap, was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine) third offense, operating a motor vehicle under the influence also third offense, rear license not illuminated, inadequate silencer and failure to wear seatbelt. Meeks was accused of committing these offenses on December 20, 2023 his bond was set at $5,000.

John Strong, 35, of Paintsville, was charged with theft by unlawful taking $10,000 or more, receiving stolen property under $1,000 and operating on suspended or revoked license.

The indictment stated that on November 22, 2023, Strong committed the offense of unlawfully taking a 2023 Can-Am brand ATV from Lowe’s of Paintsville with a value of $11,778.00.

Strong was also accused of being in possession and the contents of the wallet stolen from the family of the late Ronald K. Belhasen. Bond for Strong was set at $10,000.

Michael Ferguson, 43, of Flat Gap, was indicted on charges of first-degree possession of controlled substance (Methamphetamine), operating on a suspended/revoked license, no registration plate, no Kentucky registration receipts, improper display of registration plates.

Ferguson is accused of committing the offenses on October, 25, 2023. His bond was set for $5,000.

Joshua Stephen Cass, 23, of Flat Gap, was indicted on a charge of theft by unlawful taking over $10,000 when he committed the offense of unlawfully taking $10,951.51 in cash money from Shaleigh Walker and exercising control with the intent to deprive the victim of the money.

Jeremy Burchett, 48, of Paintsville, was indicted on trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, first-degree persistent felony and second-degree possession of controlled substance.

The indictment stated that on November, 10, 2023, Burchett committed the offense of being in possession of approximately 14 grams of Methamphetamine, digital scales, and $121 in cash money with the intent to traffic within 1,000 yards of Central Elementary School. Burchett also is accused of being in possession of a schedule III controlled substance (Suboxen). His bond was set at $5,000.

(Editor’s note: An indictment is not an indication of guilt but a determination by a grand jury that criminal charges warrant further judicial review.)