Pending a further investigation, charges have been dropped for two Lawrence County residents who were accused of kidnapping, Cabell County Prosecutor Chris Chiles said.

Joseph Lee Whitmore, 30, of Proctorville, and Britnie Dawn McCollum, 30, of South Point, were arrested Oct. 7 and 8 in Cabell County on kidnapping charges.

Chiles said the investigation will take place soon and if warranted, the case could be presented to a future grand jury.

Chiles declined to comment on the case because it is still being investigated.

Cabell County Magistrate Court Clerk Hope Romine said Whitmore’s charge was dismissed because the alleged victim did not show up for a hearing earlier this week.

Chiles declined to comment on the case because it is still being investigated.

Cabell County Magistrate Court Clerk Hope Romine said Whitmore’s charge was dismissed because the alleged victim did not show up for a hearing earlier this week.