Lawrence County Bumps Two Cases to Grand Jury

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

In what is usually a somewhat higher number, the grand jury decided to send only two cases to higher court for further review during their January session.

Among the two going before the grand jury will be Joseph Jude, 21, of Louisa, who was charged with assault in the second degree when on Dec. 16, 2025, he is accused of committing the offense of unlawfully causing serious physical injury to James McKenzie of Louisa.

Lois Richardson, 32, of Fort Gay, WV, was charged with possession of a controlled substance 1st degree (methamphetamine), operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs/alcohol 1st offense within ten years and possession/use of drug paraphernalia. According to the indictment, these offenses occurred Oct. 27, 2025.

(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.)