A Lawrence County grand jury this week handed down three new indictments against Ironton businessman Garry Castle.

Castle, of 1919 South Ninth St., was indicted on one count of fourth degree felony arson, one count of third degree felony vandalism and one count of third degree felony fraud. The fraud charge stems from the allegation that Castle made statements in the pursuit of an insurance claim although he did not actually obtain any money.

The one count of aggravated arson still stands after a trial last week on that charge ended in a hung jury. The verdict has to be unanimous, but 11 jurors had decided to acquit, and one juror held out for a conviction, according to Castle's attorney Robert Toy, of Athens.

Lawrence County Prosecutor J.B. Collier, Jr., said

he will likely file a motion to consolidate all of the charges into one trial, which will probably be in late May. Collier said although jurors will probably be given the chance to convict Castle on lesser charges, he still wants to pursue the aggravated arson charge.

"We will present it again

and feel certain that is a legitimate charge and that we are justified in pursuing it," Collier said.

The Ironton Tribune contacted Toy for his comments on the new indictments. He was not available at press time.

Meanwhile, local law enforcement officials are investigating a death threat that was mailed to Collier last week. Collier declined to comment on what the letter stated or who may have sent it

because the matter is under investigation. The letter alluded to the Castle case.

Also indicted this week:

-- Richard Bridges, 19, of 2401 State Route 217, Kitts Hill, was indicted on one count of sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 13. This is a fourth degree felony.

-- Thomas E. Kingery, Jr., 52, of 275 North Third St., Sherman Thompson Towers, was indicted on one count of fourth-degree felony sexual battery. He is accused of sexual conduct with a minor.

There were two secret indictments. One was a drug case, the other a sexual misconduct case.

The grand jury inspected six cases and returned indictments in five of them. One case was dismissed.