Courts

INDEPENDENCE — Freddie Lee Sweet of Galax, convicted in a June jury trial on two counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child, has been ordered to remain in custody at the New River Valley Regional Jail until he can be sentenced.
A judge issued the order last week, and Sweet, 67, reported to the jail, said Grayson County Commonwealth's Attorney Doug Vaught.
Sweet had been free on a $25,000 bond.
The sentencing hearing has been delayed twice on motions from the defense.

ROANOKE — Two Hillsville men pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiring to deal methamphetamine, after a two-year investigation by the Twin County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Federal agents had sought search warrants for the homes of Rigoberto Ruiz-Ruvalcaba of 328 Saddle Up Trail and Stacey Harold Bullion of 63 Lewis Lane as early as April 2009.

Editor’s Note: This information is taken from open court records and is a matter of public record. The listings are complete. The newspaper, as a matter of fairness, will not honor requests to omit any listing.  
For information on this column or questions, 236-5178, ext. 213.

Land Transfers

These land transfers were recorded May 27-June 30 in the office of Susan M. Herrington, clerk of the Grayson County Circuit Court, Independence:

INDEPENDENCE — The Oracle Institute will have its appeal of a Grayson County Board of Supervisors' decision heard on Sept. 23.
In June, the board denied a special use permit for a spiritual retreat center in the Wilson District. Oracle President Laura George contends that the permit was denied based on county officials' religious beliefs, not on legitimate criteria that can be considered.
George has also filed a religious discrimination lawsuit against the county, seeking $300,000 in damages.