Local grand jury issues indictments for drug trafficking, assault

A Christian County Grand Jury returned indictments for reported crimes concerning drug trafficking, assault and sex-based offenses on Friday.

Ohio man James Murdock was indicted on multiple drug related charges following an incident on or around January 4. Murdock was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance for methamphetamine, first-degree promoting contraband, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree possession of synthetic drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Timothy Starr of Hopkinsville was also indicted on multiple drug related charges following an incident on or around January 4. Starr was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance for methamphetamine, first-degree promoting contraband, tampering with physical evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest.

Jacob Miller of Hopkinsville was pulled over by local police after he was suspected to be driving under the influence on January 9 and was found to be in possession of multiple controlled substances.

Miller was charged with resisting arrest, tampering with physical evidence, two first-degree trafficking in controlled substance charges for methamphetamine and fentanyl derivatives, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, using restricted ammo, having no vehicle registration plates and failing to maintain vehicle insurance.

Turning toward assault related charges, Kerrie Waddell of Hopkinsville was indicted on charges from an incident that occurred on January 5 where officers responded to a report of a verbal argument turned physical. Waddell was indicted on charges of second-degree strangulation, first-degree criminal mischief and receiving stolen property for a firearm.

Darius Johnson of Hopkinsville was indicted on charges from an incident on December 30, 2023 where local sheriff deputies responded to reports of trespassing at a residence. Johnson was indicted on charges of second-degree burglary, first-degree fleeing or evading police, third-degree assault of a police officer, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first-degree criminal trespassing, third-degree resisting arrest and alcohol intoxication.

Concerning sex crimes, Jerry Gilcrease of Olmstead was indicted on a charge of first-degree rape for an incident that occurred on December 3, 2023.