Four Charged in Stolen Vehicle Incident

Four people are in custody in Franklin County after being caught with a stolen vehicle from South Carolina.

It happened Tuesday morning in Lavonia at the Super 8 Motel, according to Lavonia Assistant Police Chief Matt London.

“We received a call from an insurance company in reference to a stolen vehicle out of Anderson,” London said. “A description was given and officers located the vehicle, a 2004 Honda CRV. Inside, it was occupied by three males and one female.”

London said an investigation found the vehicle was in fact stolen out of Anderson County, SC.

As the investigation continued London said drugs were also discovered.

“The driver, along with the three passengers were arrested; one for the stolen vehicle and three for multiple narcotics on their person, including methamphetamine, hydrocodone, and marijuana.

The driver is identified as Franklin Thomas Fields, 44 of Belton SC. He is charged with Bringing Stolen Property Into The State And Possession Of Meth.
The other three passengers were also arrested. They are;
Sonya Elaine Courtney, 44 of Anderson, South Carolina. She is charged with Possession Of Schedule Ii Narcotics, Possession Of Meth
Leon Ouzts, 45 of Greenwood, SC. Ouztz is charged with Possession Of Meth, Possession Of Drug Related Objects, Possession Of Schedule Ii Narcotics.
Timothy Pyle, 34 Of Greycourt, SC. He is charged with Possession Of Marijuana Less Than One Ounce, And Possession Of Drug Related Objects.
Meantime, the owner of the stolen SUV is identified as Tanya Mills-Shore of Anderson.

She tells WLHR News Fields was a friend she was trying to help.

Mills-Shore said he allegedly took her car to get away from drug dealers she claims he owed money to.

All four were taken to the Franklin County Detention Center to await bond hearings.