Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
Three individuals allegedly involved in a robbery have been indicted by the Bell County Grand Jury.
Jonathon Smith, Rachel Farr and Joshua Smith were all indicted for first-degree robbery.
According to the indictment, the three used physical force to accomplish the theft by hitting Rolando Tomas, Lidoyne Arrieta, Fulgencio Contreras, Saul Paniagua and Miguel Toboada with a club during the alleged robbery.
The three allegedly got away with cash, a mobile phone, jewelry and medication.
Josh Smith, 20, of Middlesboro, and Farr, 22, of Middlesboro, were initially arrested about two months ago by officer Jordan Hurd of the Middlesboro Police Department.
Jonathon Smith, 19, of Middlesboro, was arrested a week later by Hurd.
Officers who assisted with the case included Lt. Mike Hensley of the MPD, Sgt. Eddie Myers of the MPD, officers Joshua Burchett and Harvey Johnson of the MPD and trooper Joey Brigmon of the Kentucky State Police.
A man involved in a police chase was also recently indicted by the grand jury.
Gregory A. Davis, 19, of Middlesboro, was indicted for first-degree fleeing or evading police, six counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, failure to illuminate head lamps, disregarding a traffic control device, no operators license, failure of owner to maintain required security, careless driving, failure to wear a seat belt, failure to give right of way to vehicle passing opposite direction and improper signal.
Davis was arrested on the charges about three months ago by officer Floyd Patterson of the MPD.
According to the arrest citation, Davis turned off his lights while traveling east on Noetown Road and almost hit a car head on at Russell Lane while crossing the bridge. The vehicle he almost hit had four individuals in it.
The citation also states Davis almost hit MPD officers Barry Cowan and Brad Cawood while they were at the intersection of New Wilson Lane and Noetown Road. They were blocking the roads to keep other motorists away from the pursuit.
Other indictments handed down by the grand jury include:
■ Joey L. Philpot, 38, of Pineville, on the charge of theft by unlawful taking over $500 and for being a persistent felony offender;
■ Terry Wade Henry, 37, of Hulen, on the charge of first-degree promoting contraband, second-degree possession of a controlled substance and for being a persistent felony offender;
■ Steven L. Merida, 38, of Flat Lick, on the charge of fraudulent use of a credit card over $100 within six month period and second-degree forgery;
■ Lonnie Derrick Merida, of Speedwell, Tenn., on the charge of fraudulent use of a credit card over $100 within a six month period and second-degree criminal trespass;
■ Charles Edward Woodby, 32, of Middlesboro, on 13 counts of theft by deception under $500 and tampering with physical evidence.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com













