Deputies: Pregnant woman stole man’s car, pants to buy meth

Deputies say a Springfield woman who was nine months pregnant and desperate for money to purchase meth stole a man’s car — and his pants.

Ashley Miller was charged Sunday with tampering with a motor vehicle. According to court documents, the victim was at Walmart on Aug. 3 when he saw Miller, who he said was an acquaintance.

Miller asked if she could have a ride, and the victim agreed. Miller began giving directions to the victim, who became concerned when he realized she was leading him to a remote location.

When the victim asked where they were going, court documents say Miller pointed what appeared to be a gun at him. The victim, fearing for his life, continued following Miller’s directions.

When they reached a dead end near Fellows Lake, documents say Miller told the victim to get out of the vehicle and remove his pants. Miller then took his pants, which still had his wallet in them, and drove off in his car.

The victim then walked to Fellows Lake and got someone to call 911.

Deputies say the car was located on Aug. 6, in the possession of Tony Scott. Scott told authorities that he had borrowed the car from Miller on Aug. 4.

Springfield police say they contacted and arrested Miller on Aug. 22. Court documents say she told police in an interview that she had asked the victim for a ride, and then parked and entered an abandoned house.

Miller then said the victim took off his pants and began making sexual advances toward her, so she left in his car. Miller also told police Scott had allegedly taken the car without her permission.

Later, court documents say Miller allegedly told police she was using meth — while nine months pregnant — and was desperate for money to buy more, so she decided to steal the victim’s money and car.

Miller told police she did not have a gun with her at the time, and said she knew the victim’s wallet was still in the abandoned house.

When authorities searched the abandoned house, they found the victim’s wallet, missing money the victim said was in it at the time of the theft.

Miller’s bond was set at $5,000. She has three pending cases in Missouri courts, and is on probation in three separate cases, according to court documents.