Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle?

"Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle" seems to be a charge that's a general catch-all for various crimes (and misdemeanors?). We once thought it pertained solely to those who borrowed a car and didn't bring it back.

Many years ago, a young woman was moving. She borrowed a truck from a friend, then allowed her boyfriend to keep the truck overnight. It seems this woman had some serious problems for which she refused to get help. When her family heard of the truck situation, they promptly persuaded the neighbor to charge the woman with car theft. The charge stuck, and Lauderdale County managed to get a conviction on the theft charges. Since the woman already had a a felony conviction for drugs, she was sent South.

But how about the other way? Will the district attorney or a victim prefer lesser charges if the thief is known to the victim or even a friend? It seems so.

Steven Lee Scott (pictured left) seems to be a prime example of this phenomenon. While on drugs, he knocked down a friend, rifled through her handbag for her car keys, and managed to get as far away as Moulton with her much-needed vehicle. Yet he was charged with only Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Apparently law enforcement couldn't make the woman testify against her friend, but a lesser charge enabled her to at least get her vehicle back.

Now the most recent Lauderdale County indictments have been published and we find that Andrew Daniel Scott (pictured right) has yet another charge tacked to several theft and burglary crimes. He's also been charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Why? We're guessing, like the Village Square victim in Russellville, this was the only way a friend or family member could reclaim his transportation.

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A Good Samaritan account has been set up for Timothy Shane Green at Bank Independent. Green remains in critical condition at UAB after saving his two children from a house fire. You may donate at any Bank Independent simply be informing the teller you want to place funds in the Good Sam account for Green.



Shoalanda

A Sweet Deal for Steven Scott?

Pictured above is 53 year-old Steven Len Scott of Russellville. Sources say Scott has been a frequent visitor to various mental health facilities and had been living on the street when he was placed in Village Square Apartments in Russellville. According to an article in Pen N Sword, the facility will take no one younger than 55...and they must have a mobility disability in order to qualify.

Last month Scott shoved or pushed down an elderly tenant, one using a walker no less, removed her keys from her purse, and headed south in her car, which he eventually abandoned in Moulton. Authorities speculated Scott was headed to Sarasota, Florida, where he has family, but the opportunistic car thief made it only as far as Morgan County.

So what is Russellville charging him with? Unauthorized use of a vehicle. We thought such charges were reserved for those who borrowed cars and decided to keep them a few extra days, not those who attack the owner and flee to parts unknown.

Scott remains incarcerated in the Franklin County Jail. We hope Steven Scott's victim will insist that stronger charges be filed.

Latest on Russellville Carjacking

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Russellville is not immune from the plight of "street people." Just as in large cities, small towns will also have those who live on the street, many by choice. It's commendable for DHR and other services to attempt to find homes for those who want and need shelter, but it also should be expected that those who use the system in order to find such housing will abide by the rules.

Several relatives of Village Square residents have contacted various news media concerning recent arrivals at the HUD housing complex. While the situation is alarming to them, these new tenants are breaking no laws (with the exception of Scott). If these individuals are causing hygiene problems, we would suggest contacting the Franklin County Health Department. Good luck.



Shoalanda