By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
Billie Binion entered a change of plea last Wednesday on charges related to her arrest stemming from a January 26, 2023, stabbing in Olive Hill. Binion was arrested by officers with the Olive Hill PD after stabbing Clifford James – breaking off several inches of knife in the wound – and then using the remainder of the blade to cut a second individual, Clyde James, across the face.
According to a statement provided to Olive Hill police chief Bruce Palmer at the time the attack was completely unprovoked. Palmer said the two victims told him they were simply having a conversation with Binion when she stabbed Clifford with no pretext or warning. Palmer also stated that Binion, who had escaped over a barbed wire fence by stripping out of her shirt, was “non-compliant across the board” and had to be “subdued and restrained” once apprehended.
Binion pleaded guilty on Wednesday to an amended charge of assault in the first degree under extreme emotional disturbance – an amended charge from the original assault in the first degree. This amendment changes the charge from a Class B Felony, punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison, to a Class D Felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Binion also entered guilty pleas to charges of assault in the second degree, first degree fleeing or evading police on foot, and resisting arrest.
Binion is scheduled for sentencing in July.
In other action on Wednesday Phillips accepted a change of plea from Willis Underwood, of Olive Hill, who entered an Alford Plea of Guilty to a charge of trafficking in heroin stemming from a May 2023 incident. An Alford plea allows a defendant to plead guilty and accept a plea bargain – acknowledging that the prosecution’s evidence would likely lead to a conviction – while still maintaining their innocence.
Dylan Ingles, of Grayson, changed his plea to guilty on charges of first degree possession of methamphetamine and first degree possession of heroin from February of this year, with charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possess of drug paraphernalia dismissed upon a motion by the Commonwealth.
Ingles, who is currently in a residential treatment program, also entered a change of plea to guilty in a flagrant non-support case from the same month.
Dennis Chapman, of Grayson, entered a change of plea to guilty to an amended charge of criminal abuse, second degree – child under 12. This is an amendment of the original charge, from January of this year, of first degree criminal abuse, with Phillips’ notes stating the defendant has been compliant with Department for Community Based Services plans.
Frank Seagraves entered a change of plea to guilty to his September 2023, charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, with the aggravating circumstances enhancement dismissed. Seagraves also entered guilty pleas to charges of first degree trafficking in methamphetamine, no registration receipt, operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jessica Prichard, of Grayson, entered a change of plea to guilty on her May 2023, charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked license. Charges of failure to produce an insurance card and careless driving were dismissed upon motions from the Commonwealth.
Billy Valandingham also entered a change of plea to guilty on his January charges of public intoxication on a controlled substance and of theft by unlawful taking of items valued at more than $10,000 but less than $1,000,000 with the offer approved by the alleged victim.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
