(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is announcing an arrest in a recent property crimes investigation regarding a limo style golf cart that was stolen from an Oconee County church in early October, and later recovered and returned to the church.
On Wednesday, October 23rd, the Sheriff’s Office issued a news release seeking the public’s help in the investigation of a golf cart that was taken from Calvary Church, which located on Maxim Drive, off of Highway 123, near Westminster. In the news release, Investigators were seeking the public’s help in identifying two persons of interest in relation to the theft.
The Sheriff’s Office was notified on Sunday morning, October 6th of the theft of the golf cart. The golf card was stolen early Saturday evening, October 5th. Evidence obtained by Deputies showed a female and male attempt to enter the church on that date via the front entrance. Further evidence showed the persons of interest driving the golf cart off the property and onto Highway 123.
The golf cart was recovered abandoned in a field on E Street near E. Lonsdale Street, on the Utica Mill Hill near Seneca, on Monday, October 7th. After proper verification, the golf cart was turned over to the Pastor of Calvary Church.
At the time of purchase in March of 2023, the golf cart was valued at approximately $10,500.90.
On Thursday, October 24th, the Sheriff’s Office announced that the male and female had been identified in the investigation. The female is 16 years old, and due to her age, will not be identified. A Department of Juvenile Justice referral packet was completed for the female.
The male was identified as 20 year old Michael Ian LeClear of Skyview Drive in Walhalla. An arrest warrant was obtained against LeClear on October 25th on a charge of Grand Larceny. LeClear was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center at around 2:53pm Wednesday.
LeClear was released from jail on the same day on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.