Stolen vehicle recovered in Lakemont, 3 arrested on meth charges

After Rabun County authorities were notified of a stolen vehicle heading north from Habersham, deputies found and reclaimed the vehicle, along with a ziplock bag of meth which was located inside.

Dispatch alerted deputies with the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office of a maroon-colored 2017 Volkswagon that had been reported stolen out of Habersham County.

It wasn’t long after a BOLO had been placed on the vehicle that authorities located the stolen car as it was making a right turn onto East Wolfcreek Road in Lakemont. A traffic stop was initiated and inside the vehicle were three females.

The driver of the vehicle Regina McConnell, 44, of Lula, told deputies there was nothing illegal located inside of the vehicle. Deputies learned Crystal McNeil, 34, of Clarkesville, was responsible for stealing the vehicle and requested to do a thorough search, to which she consented to.

During the search of the vehicle on the passenger side between the seat and center console, a ziplock bag was located that contained a substance suspected of being methamphetamine.

All three females denied the meth belonged to them, but according to the police report, McNeil told deputies since she was going to jail anyway, she would claim responsibility for it.

Law enforcement instead charged all three females with possession of meth and additionally charged McNeil with theft by receiving stolen property.

The rightful owner of the vehicle was located and reclaimed possession of the car.

McNeil, McConnell and Audrey Lowry were all arrested and transported to the Rabun County Detention Center.