Whitley County grand jury releases indictments Monday

A Whitley County Grand Jury indicted two people for auto theft, three people for drug possession and one person for endangering the lives of four people in a vehicle he hit while allegedly driving under the influence.

According to its monthly report and indictments, the grand jury handed down six indictments Monday morning, including:

• Clarence Joey Lawson, 46, of Williamsburg – first-degree wanton endangerment, third-offense operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, operating a motor vehicle while license was suspended for driving under the influence of alcohol and first-degree persistent felony offender.
On April 12, Lawson allegedly manifested an extreme indifference to human life by wantonly driving a vehicle while under the influence and striking with his vehicle another vehicle in which David Broyles, Zachary Broyles, Madison Broyles and Tanner Broyles were passengers causing substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to the four. Lawson has prior felony convictions for receiving stolen property under $10,000, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and flagrant non-support.

• Tommy Hinkle, 46, of Gray – theft by unlawful taking over $10,000 but less than $1 million (2012 Honda Civic), first-degree criminal mischief (2012 Honda Civic) and second-degree persistent felony offender. Hinkle has a previous felony conviction for first-offense manufacturing methamphetamine.

• Lester Eugene Lovett, 26, of Corbin – two counts of theft by unlawful taking over $500 but less than $10,000 (1997 Toyota 4Runner and tools), theft by unlawful taking-firearm (9 mm) and possession of marijuana less than eight ounces.

• Eric McKiddy, 32, of Williamsburg – first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (over two grams of methamphetamine), second-degree possession of a controlled substance (one Suboxone) and possession of drug paraphernalia (baggies).

• Justin Seeley, 21, of Corbin – first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and carrying a concealed deadly weapon (brass knuckles).

• Jessica Kidd, 27, of Corbin – first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia (glass pipe).
The grand jury also returned no true bill or no indictment against Adam Petrey concerning an allegation of second-degree assault.