In its February session, a Lincoln County grand jury declined to indict five people for crimes including animal abuse, robbery and aggravated assault.

Cases that go to a grand jury and are not indicted are referred to in the legal system as “no bills.” When the grand jury agrees the evidence is sufficient to establish the commission of a crime (as it is presented), it returns an indictment endorsed by the grand jury foreman with the phrase “true bill” to indicate the information presented is sufficient to justify the trial of the suspect. When information presented is not sufficient, the term “no bill” is written on the indictment. However, even if a grand jury does not indict, the prosecutor can return to the same grand jury and present additional evidence.

No bills are knocked back down to the lower courts as possible misdemeanors after the grand jury decides not to proceed with felony charges.

The following people went before the most recent grand jury but were not indicted:

• Latorrie Bridges for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery and burglary of a dwelling.

• Kenswalia Bridges for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery and burglary of a dwelling.

• Calvin T. Bowman for animal abuse.

• Orlando D. Dixon for aggravated assault.

• Betsi McGraw for prescription fraud.