WATCH: RCSD gives update after teen DJJ escapee, mother arrested
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The Richland County Sheriff’s Department gave an update on a teen who recently escaped SCDJJ on Sunday.
The teen was found moments laters with her mother, who was also arrested.
Investigators say 39-year-old Savannah Mills is the seventh mother charged for contributing to their child’s criminal activity.
On Sunday, August 31, around 5:50 p.m. deputies were called to assist the SC Department of Juvenile Justice for an escapee.
Around 8:50 p.m., Richland County deputies located the vehicle near Wilson Blvd and Sharp Road after receiving information on the juvenile escapee, and a description of a possible suspect vehicle.
Investigators say 39-year-old Savannah Mills is accused of helping her teen daughter escape from SCDJJ. (Photo: Richland County Sheriff’s Department)
Deputies conducted a suspicious vehicle stop and located the juvenile escapee in the vehicle with her mother, Savannah Mills, according to RCSD.
During the traffic stop deputies also located two guns in the vehicle, one deputies say was stolen out of Richland County.
Mills, 39 was arrested and charged with aiding the escape of a prisoner with a capital offense by DJJ.
She was released around 14 hours later on a $10,000 surety bond.
Wednesday, September 3, Mills was arrested and charged for possession of stolen pistol by RCSD and contributing to the delinquency of a minor by DJJ.
She was taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, on the Richland County Sheriff’s Department charge.
Her bond was set Thursday morning, Sept. 4, at a $150,000.00 surety bond, house arrest, and GPS monitoring.
“When we talk about juvenile crime, we should recognize that sometimes bad parents are to blame,” said Sheriff Leon Lott. “This mom, despite knowing what her daughter did, took part in helping her attempt to escape the law, instead of teaching her to take responsibility for her actions.”
READ MORE: Mother arrested after juvenile escapee found in car with her
