Warren County Grand jury Returns Multiple Indictments
Table of Contents
Warren County, KY - A Warren County grand jury issued a series of indictments on August 6, 2025, encompassing a diverse array of criminal charges. The indictments, announced Sunday, August 17, 2025, detail allegations against twenty-three individuals, ranging from property crimes to drug-related offenses and violent assaults.
Details of the Indictments
The following individuals were indicted, along with the associated charges and bond amounts:
| Name | Charge(s) | Bond Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Larry Kenneth Ausbrooks II | Second-degree assault (domestic), first-degree unlawful imprisonment, first-degree persistent felony offender | $10,000 cash |
| Stacy Lynn Brown | First-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree assault (domestic), resisting arrest, third-degree criminal trespassing, alcohol intoxication | $2,500 cash |
| David Carlyle Harral | Third-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking ($500-$1,000) | $2,500 cash |
| Adonnis cortez Herndon | First-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (over 4g cocaine), possession of drug paraphernalia, false name/address to police | $6,000 cash |
| Jennifer Ann Hines | First-degree promoting contraband | $2,500 cash |
| Marcus Tyrone Hunter | First-degree strangulation, fourth-degree assault (domestic), second-degree persistent felony offender | $10,000 cash |
| Brandon Stevie Lee Minton | First-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing/evading police, disorderly conduct, careless driving | Notice to appear |
| John Raymond Morgan | Theft of identity, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia | Transfer bond |
| Orrett Ricketts | Five counts of theft by unlawful taking ($1,000-$10,000) | $7,500 cash |
| Jason Todd Rife | First-degree possession of a controlled substance (firearm enhanced), possession of drug paraphernalia, no tail lamps | Transfer bond |
| Christian A. Rios Soto | Theft by failure to make disposition of property ($1,000-$10,000) | Notice to appear |
| Brian Daniel Romines | First-degree bail jumping | $10,000 cash |
| Austin james Ross | Theft by unlawful taking ($1,000-$10,000) | Transfer bond |
| Refugio Salcido | Failure to comply with sex offender registration, receiving stolen property ($1,000-$10,000), operating on suspended/revoked license, police radio possession, first-degree persistent felony offender | Transfer bond |
| Mark Cyrus Sampson | Leaving the scene of an accident (serious injury/death), first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, wanton endangerment, marijuana possession, first-degree persistent felony offender | $5,000 cash |
| Destiny Rae Taylor | First-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia | $500 cash |
| Gabriel Soto | Theft by unlawful taking ($1,000-$10,000) | $3,500 cash |
| Nicolas Valliant | First-degree criminal abuse | $6,000 cash |
| Luis Vazquez Romero | Fleeing/evading police, reckless driving, speeding, improper passing, signaling violations | Transfer bond |
| Artemus Christopher Williams | First-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (over 2g meth), possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana possession, speeding | Transfer bond |
| Matthew Kent Dewitt | First-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana possession | Transfer bond |
Grand jury indictments represent a important step in the legal process, signaling that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with formal charges
, explained legal analyst Sarah Jenkins.
Did You Know?
A grand jury is a group of citizens empowered to review evidence presented by prosecutors and determine whether there is enough cause to issue an indictment?
Context and Potential implications
The charges span a range of offenses, indicating ongoing law enforcement efforts to address both property crime and drug-related activities within Warren County. The presence of multiple individuals facing drug trafficking charges suggests a concentrated effort to combat the distribution of illegal substances. Several indictments also involve repeat offenders, as indicated by the “persistent felony offender” designations, which carry enhanced penalties.
Persistent felony offender status substantially impacts sentencing guidelines, potentially leading to substantially longer prison terms for convicted individuals
, notes criminal defense attorney David Miller.
Pro Tip: Understanding the charges and potential penalties is crucial for anyone involved in the legal system,whether as a defendant,victim,or observer.
What impact will these indictments have on crime rates in Warren County? How will the court system manage the influx of cases resulting from these indictments?
Evergreen Context: Grand Juries and the Legal Process
The role of the grand jury dates back centuries,originating in English common law as a safeguard against arbitrary prosecution. In the United States,the Fifth Amendment to the constitution guarantees the right to grand jury indictment for capital or infamous crimes. the process is designed to ensure that individuals are not subjected to trial without sufficient evidence. Recent trends in criminal justice reform have focused on increasing clarity and accountability within the grand jury system, while maintaining its core function of protecting individual rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warren County Indictments
- What is an indictment? An indictment is a formal accusation by a grand jury that there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against someone.
- What happens after an indictment? After an indictment, the accused will be arraigned, where they enter a plea. The case then proceeds toward trial or a plea bargain.
- what is a “persistent felony offender”? This designation applies to individuals with a history of felony convictions, leading to harsher penalties if convicted of new crimes.
- What is the difference between a cash bond and a transfer bond? A cash bond requires the full amount to be paid for release, while a transfer bond involves transferring custody to another jurisdiction.
- Where can I find more information about these cases? Information about court proceedings is generally available through the Warren County Clerk’s office.
We will continue to follow these cases and provide updates as they become available. If you have information relevant to any of these investigations, please contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Department.
Thank you for reading. We encourage you to share this article with your network,leave a comment with your thoughts,and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates.
