By Joel Martin

Senior writer

A grand jury this week returned 74 indictments for the February term of Troup Superior Court.

Among the defendants was Malcolm Lee James, 43, of LaGrange, who was indicted on charges of rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment and aggravated assault for an incident Oct. 19 at the defendant’s home on Gorham Street.

Police said James had made passes at the victim and blocked the door when she tried to leave. She later managed to run out of the boarding house, but he gave chase and grabbed her by the hair, dragging her back inside his apartment as she pleaded with him not to rape her, police said.

A passerby who heard the disturbance called police, who said they snuck up to the house and heard James telling at the victim to shut up and “lay there and take it.”

“She had been severely beaten,” Detective John Slonaker said. “Her eyes were swollen shut and she had a busted lip” from numerous punches to the face. “It was the worst rape I’ve seen” in his eight years at the police department.

In another case, Avery Rashad Young, 19, and Joevian Seantavious Brooks, 17, both of LaGrange were indicted for allegedly shooting and trying to rob a 41-year-old man Oct. 11 at Benjamin Harvey Hill Homes on Whitesville Street.

When Kevin Lukemire fought back, he was shot in the throat, but was able to drive away and police found him in his truck on the Morgan Street bridge. He was flown by helicopter to Atlanta Medical Center and has made a complete recovery, said Detective Brian Brown.

Young and Brooks were indicted on charges of attempted armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of tools for the commission of a crime and criminal trespass. Brooks also was charged with wearing a mask to conceal his identity, and Young was charged with hindering the punishment of a criminal and giving false information to a law enforcement officer.

A 16-year-old also was arrested in the case and faces charges in Juvenile Court. A fourth suspect has been identified, but not located, and no warrants have been issued, Brown said.

Shay Patrick Cooper, 28, of Newnan was indicted on two counts of aggravated assault upon a peace officer for a Dec. 23 incident. He allegedly drove forward and dragged sheriff’s deputy Chris Bagley, and also drove the vehicle toward sheriff’s deputy David McDaniel. Other charges include fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, obstruction of an officer, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Indicted on child molestation charges were Adan Maldonado Lopez, 26, of LaGrange, Fred Eugene Phillips, 61, of Warm Springs, and Demarcus Jerome Melson, 19, of LaGrange.

Rokei Jerqunta Winston, 25, of Lanett, Ala. was indicted on charges of armed robbery, burglary and two counts of aggravated assault..

Jody Marie Nordwall, 21, and Gypsy Cantrece Wright, 28, both of LaGrange, were indicted on armed robbery and robbery charges.

Arraignments are scheduled for Feb. 10 and 12, and trials begin Feb. 17.