Indictments from the most recent grand jury sessions were served Tuesday on two Lincoln County individuals accused in separate, unrelated cases of drug trafficking and false pretense.

James Howard of Brookhaven and Melissa Posey of Bogue Chitto were arrested on unrelated charges Tuesday by Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies. They were the first of the indictments to be served following the December session of a Lincoln County grand jury.

A grand jury issues an indictment if it determines evidence presented to them by a prosecuting attorney is enough to establish the commission of a crime. An indictment does not represent a guilty verdict.

Howard, 34, of 907 Union St., was charged with unlawful trafficking of more than 40 doses of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of at least one-tenth but less than two grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute,and unlawful possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Posey, 54, of 955 Auburn Drive, was charged with false pretense for selling previously encumbered property. According to state code, that means property that is sold which has already been mortgaged or has a lien on it.

Posey, according to sheriff’s dockets, is also charged with felony kidnapping Dec. 12.

Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing said the county’s Department of Human Services pressed charges against Posey, who they claimed would not release an 8-month-old girl that was at her home.

The child’s father, Posey’s nephew, had been granted custody by DHS. The two were allegedly staying at Posey’s home until Posey made the nephew leave. Rushing said DHS claimed Posey would not give up the child.

The infant was placed in DHS custody.