GEORGE COUNTY, Mississippi — Two people were arrested after a series of vehicle theft investigations and pursuits that crossed county lines in Mississippi and Alabama, the George County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies began investigating a possible stolen vehicle May 24 in the Agricola area when they saw the vehicle being driven by Charles Mott, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle for traffic violations, but the driver fled into Alabama. Mobile County deputies later located the vehicle and initiated a pursuit that continued until the vehicle returned to Greene County, Mississippi, where it ended. The vehicle was not recovered at that time.
On May 26, investigators received a report of a stolen travel trailer from the Rocky Creek area and found it at Mott’s property in Agricola after confirming the vehicle identification number, the sheriff’s office said. While recovering the camper, deputies saw the previously stolen truck — painted a different color and towing a large flatbed trailer — in the Howell area. Mott, with Stephanie Valentine inside, fled again into Mobile County, where deputies stopped the vehicle and arrested both without further incident. Both are being held at the Mobile County Metro Jail.
Mott faces charges in Mobile County including first-degree robbery, first-degree receiving stolen property, felony attempt to elude, three counts of first-degree criminal mischief, three counts of second-degree assault and a fugitive from justice charge from Mississippi, the sheriff’s office said. Valentine faces Mobile County charges including first-degree robbery, second-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree elder abuse and a fugitive from justice charge from Mississippi.
The sheriff’s office said deputies later linked a flatbed trailer reported stolen May 27 from the Shipman area to the May 26 pursuit and recovered the trailer May 28 in the Semmes, Alabama, area. The George County Sheriff’s Office has placed holds on Mott and Valentine for multiple motor vehicle theft and grand larceny counts, and for felony fleeing, the agency said.
“These individuals demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others by repeatedly fleeing from law enforcement,” Sheriff Mitchell Mixon said. “Let this serve as a reminder that the George County Sheriff’s Office will continue pressing forward to hold accountable those who commit crimes in our community, regardless of where they attempt to flee.” All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
