Virginia man arrested on rape, sexual abuse charges

Published 2:40 pm Friday, January 24, 2020

A Ewing, Va. man is behind bars after police say he had sexual intercourse and contact with three children under the age of 12. Ernie Pittman, 51, was charged with two counts of first-degree rape (victim less than 12 years of age) and two counts sexual abuse (victim less than 12 years of age).

According to the criminal complaint, one victim was a female and the other two victims were males. Pittman engaged in sexual intercourse with the female victim on two separate occasions. She was roughly six years old at the time of the incident. He also allegedly made sexual contact with the victim.

The complaint states that one of the male victims was five at the time of the incident where Pittman allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse and sexual contact with the child. The second male victim, who the defendant made sexual contact with, was roughly six when the alleged acts occurred.

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Pittman is currently being held on a $250,000 cash bond for each individual charge. The case is being investigated by the Kentucky State Police.

Other recently arrested on felony charges include:

• James Carroll, 47, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), tampering with physical evidence, two bench warrants for court;

• Anthony Wade Eldridge, 56, of Rutledge, Tenn., harassing communications, theft by deception (under $500), criminal possession of a forged instrument, theft of identity of another without consent, resisting arrest;

• Sherrie Helton, 34, of Beverly, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of a minor, two bench warrants for court;

• Don Johnson, 35, of Middlesboro, three bench warrants for court, second-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), third-degree criminal trespassing;

• Christopher Maiden, 36, of Dayhoit, reckless driving, first-degree wanton endangerment (police officer), receiving stolen property ($10,000 or more), no registration plates, no registration receipt, failure to produce insurance card, permitting operation of motor vehicle with improper registration, failure to wear a seat belt, registration and title requirements vehicle not operating on highway, second-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), two counts failure to appear, theft by deception (under $500);

• Timothy Marlow, 33, of Middlesboro, bench warrant for court, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine);

• Angela Mason, 42, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, bench warrant for court;

• Alvin Mason, 45, of Middlesboro, operating on suspended or revoked operator’s license, failure of owner to maintain required insurance, no registration plates, no tail lamps, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia;

• John David Matthews, 53, of Arjay, possession of drug paraphernalia, bench warrant for court, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of marijuana, third-degree possession of a controlled substance;

• Wesley Mink, 32, of Middlesboro, receiving stolen property (firearm), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, parole violation warrant;

• Bobby Lee Minor, 59, of Middlesboro, theft by unlawful taking $500 or more but under $10,000, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon;

• Eric Lee Osborne, 38, of Middlesboro, receiving stolen property (firearm), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, parole violation warrant;

• Jennifer L. Raney, 36, of Middlesboro, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree possession of a controlled substance;

• Darryl Smith, 26, of Middlesboro, no lights on bicycle, second-degree fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental operations.