Stolen vehicle recovered in Milton

A vehicle reported stolen on Sunday, Aug. 26, in Carroll County was recovered during a traffic stop at the Milton-Madison Bridge Friday.

Bedford Constable Craig Lacefield, while working the traffic detail at the Milton-Madison Bridge, observed a vehicle crossing the bridge that had been reported stolen from Carroll County. After noticing the female driver matched the description of one of three females seen in the Ghent area where the vehicle was taken and then confirming the license plate information, Lacefield initiated a traffic stop.

The driver, 20-year-old Samantha Schaffner of Carrollton, stated she had purchased the vehicle the day before and hadn’t transferred it. Further questioning of Schaffner and her passenger, 23-year-old Megan Purvis of Carrollton, revealed certain facts known to Lacefield in the case.

Ultimately, both subjects allegedly admitted they knew the car had been taken. They stated a friend had stolen the car and picked them up in the Ghent area. Upon driving to Carrollton Schaffner was then given the car and drove it to Madison, where she had been staying with Purvis.

Schaffner was arrested on charges of Receiving Stolen Property over $10,000 and Driving on a Suspended License. Purvis was arrested on a warrant from Carroll County. Constable Lacefield relayed information to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and after continuing the investigation a third suspect, Ashley Combs, 21, of Carrollton, along with Schaffner and Purvis were charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking/Auto by Carroll County Deputies. All three were lodged at the Carroll County Detention Center.