(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has filed charges today against a Salem man in relation to an investigation into a Missing Person and Kidnapping that occurred earlier this morning.
A judge has denied bond against 28 year old Zackery Steven Cosgrove, of Poplar Drive, on charges of Kidnapping and Grand Larceny. Cosgrove, who will appear before a Circuit Court Judge at a later time regarding bond, was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center at around 9:47am today.
Earlier this morning, the Sheriff’s Office issued a news release in reference to a 9 year old Salem girl, Braelynn Ann Blaire, who was missing and the victim of a kidnapping.
According to information obtained during the investigation, Cosgrove stole a black 2019 Nissan Rogue the Poplar Drive address with his niece, Braelynn, inside.
Deputies from the Uniform Patrol Bureau responded to the incident scene. The Missing Person’s Unit was also notified and Cosgrove’s and Braelynn’s were entered into the National Crimes Information Center database. Surrounding law enforcement agencies were also notified.
Working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, an Amber Alert was also issued this morning. At around 5:50am today, the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office notified Oconee County that the vehicle was located, along with Cosgrove and Braelynn, on Highway 25 near Jake Bryan Road.
Braelynn was located safe, Cosgrove was taken into custody and the stolen vehicle was retrieved. The Missing Person’s Unit from Oconee County traveled to Edgefield to transport Braelynn back to Oconee County to be reunited with her family.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office for their help and assistance in our investigation and in the safe return of Braelynn to her family and in the apprehension of Cosgrove.