Felonly Indictments Slow in First Part of 2021

 

MOUNT VERNON – The Knox County Grand Jury met and indicted six cases on February 8.  Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville reported that 28 cases have been indicted thus far in 2021.  “The cold weather and COVID-19 seem to be playing a combined role in keeping case numbers lower this year,” he said.

 

Harley J. Hanna, 33, of Howard, was indicted for driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor of the first degree, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a felony of the fourth degree, and driving outside marked lanes, a minor misdemeanor. On January 16, 2021, Hanna was stopped by Trooper Colton Riley for allegedly driving outside of marked lanes. During the stop, Trooper Riley administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.  A firearm was discovered in the vehicle.

 

Isaiah K. McPeak, 40, of Mount Vernon, was indicted for felonious assault, a felony of the second degree, and abduction, a felony of the third degree. McPeak allegedly caused serious physical harm to a female victim and held her against her will.  The case was investigated by MVPD Ptl. Nick Holdren.

 

Isaiah K. McPeak, 40, of Mount Vernon, was separately indicted for illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a detention facility, a felony of the third degree. McPeak allegedly brought Suboxone into the Knox County Jail after being arrested for the felonious assault charge.  This incident was investigated by KCSO Det. Aaron Phillips.

 

Dennis L. Bates, 55, of Westerville, was indicted for one count of retaliation, a felony of the third degree.  Bates allegedly made unlawful threats of harm to a local attorney who was involved in a civil matter with Bates.  The case was investigated by MVPD Det. Matt Haver and Ptl. Patience Miller.

 

Shad W. Lynds, 48, of Mount Vernon, was indicted on one count of possession of L.S.D., a felony of the fourth degree, and one count of aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. In August of 2020, MVPD Ptl. Collins stopped a male on a bicycle with no lights. It is alleged that Lynds was in possession of L.S.D. and small amount of methamphetamine at the time.   

 

Jade A. Burkett, 20, of Mount Vernon, was indicted for aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. During a traffic stop, MVPD Ptl. Sarah Wheeler recognized the passenger, Burkett, had an outstanding warrant.  Burkett allegedly was in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine at the time of arrest.

 

Information courtesy of the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office