The work of the January 2010 Mingo County Grand Jury continued Thursday as the panel convened in an abbreviated session – obtaining 14 sealed felony indictments.

Mingo County Prosecuting Attorney C. Michael Sparks noted that 13 of the indictments contained drug-related charges.

Investigating officers in the latest grand jury session were Lt. J.D. Ferris and Sgt. Joe Smith of the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department, Lt. C.D. Rockel of the Williamson Police Department, and Senior Trooper B.R. Moore of the West Virginia State Police.

Chief Judge Michael Thornsbury issued capiases for the arrest of those named in the latest indictments. Arraignments were set for 10 a.m. today in Mingo County Circuit Court.

“I expect the upcoming April court session to be very busy,” Sparks stated. “At least 40 felony drug cases and one or two murder cases will be presented during that term.”

The January Grand Jury returned 30 indictments, including one sealed true bill, at its first session this year. The report was submitted to the court Jan. 20 and the jury was released from further duty, subject to recall (which came March 11).

Sparks said recent events will likely result in significantly reduced local accessibility of prescription drugs.

“Consequently, I caution Mingo County residents to be vigilant as there may be a temporary spike in property crimes,” the prosecutor pointed out.”

He urged county citizens to be alert, take special care to lock their homes and vehicles and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.