REDDICK, FL (352today.com) – Life sometimes has a way of teaching us difficult lessons.
In this case, both the victim and the accused met with consequences that came about from poor decisions.
A car left running, with the doors unlocked near side entrance of the Silver River Inn, would lead to a felonious grand theft auto charge for two women.
The victim and the accused, Lakisha Shanell Kelsey Savage, 39, Ocala, drove around for the better part of the day on Aug. 23, with both women eventually going their separate ways. It was at the motel that the victim made the mistake of leaving her vehicle vulnerable, visiting a friend in one of the units of the motel, and five minutes later her 2003 Honda Accord had disappeared. Savage would eventually be charged with four felonies, grand theft auto, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, smuggling contraband into prison and a misdemeanor for resisting arrest without violence. Savage’s bail was set at $30,000.
The victim notified law enforcement, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and while one deputy was gathering information, the accused called to say she was in possession of the car over the phone. The victim initially didn’t want to get the alleged in trouble, as she said she would return the vehicle. They would attempt to work out arrangements for the return of the car.
Double Trouble
One of the deputy’s followed-up the next day, Aug. 24, and the car had still not been returned. The victim told authorities that the accused had threatened her for calling law enforcement, presenting a chain of texts between the two, where the accused informed the victim, she was in Marion Oaks, was unable to return the car at the moment, couldn’t be charged, the car was parked and proceeded to use profane language in the texts.
The accused informed the victim that a female friend would be bringing the car by later on and to stop texting her. The friend Haylie Rawson, 19, Ocala, texted the victim saying she would bring the car back when she got off at work at 3:30. Rawson had called the victim earlier in the day.
A Difference of Opinion
When the car wasn’t returned the victim proceeded with the charges. The vehicle was eventually located in Reddick. A traffic stop was conducted at the Angel Food Mart, and the accused, Savage, was observed getting out of the passenger door. Savage resisted arrest, not allowing her arms to be secured. Assistance arrived on the scene, and the accused was handcuffed. The accused stated that a mutual friend of hers and the victim, named C.J. drove the vehicle to Reddick. She also claimed the victim gave the keys to C.J. and stated she didn’t operate the vehicle as she was a habitual offender.
However, Rawson told a different story, conveying to authorities that a friend of her’s named Can-do, said Savage would provide her with a safe place to stay for the day. Savage also asked Rawson if she would put insurance on the victim’s car in her name, refusing Savage’s request. Rawson advised authorities that she didn’t possess a valid driver’s license. Rawson told authorities that Savage was driving when she picked her and Can-do up earlier in the day, dropping Can-do off at a convenience store. The two women then drove around Reddick and visited family and friends. Rawson has been charged with felonies for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and grand theft auto, and four misdemeanors. Rawson’s bond has been set at $27,500.
Canine Crime Solvers
A pair of K-9 deputies, West and his partner Rex, were asked to come to the scene Sunday afternoon, and conducted an open-air sniff during the investigation, K-9 West recorded a positive hit on the vehicle. Authorities opened the door and found a twisted baggie of a white powdered substance that tested positive for cocaine.
Savage was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. In the patrol car, the deputy explained to the accused that if she was to introduce contraband into the jail additional felony charges would follow. She admitted to having more cocaine hidden in her pants at the jail. Bags of crack cocaine and cocaine were found. Savage claimed that was all the drugs she had.
However, when she handed the corrections deputy her underwear, there was small baggie with a clear rock substance inside the garment, that tested positive for crystal methamphetamine.