Cleotha Abston Faces Further Legal Trouble Amid Ongoing Hunt for Missing Memphis Woman

Cleotha Abston, the man accused of kidnapping Eliza Fletcher, now faces additional theft charges as the search for the missing woman intensifies. The 38-year-old was hit with charges of identity theft, theft of property under $1,000, and fraudulent use of a credit card by Memphis police on Monday, all linked to Fletcher’s abduction.

Abston was arrested on Saturday and initially charged with aggravated kidnapping and evidence tampering related to Fletcher’s disappearance. He has, however, refused to cooperate with authorities or provide any information about her location, according to a police affidavit.

The suspect was identified as driving a black 2013 GMC Terrain, which was linked to the scene of Fletcher’s abduction near the University of Memphis. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a man aggressively forcing Fletcher into the vehicle during her morning jog on Friday.

Further investigation revealed that DNA found on Champion slide sandals at the scene matched Abston’s, and records from his employer confirmed that the vehicle used in the kidnapping was registered to a woman connected to Abston’s address. Police also traced Abston’s phone to the area where Fletcher was abducted.

As the search continues, Memphis officers have been scouring wooded areas south of Abston’s residence, with investigations spanning parks like Martin Luther King Riverside and Pine Hill Park. Despite these efforts, Abston remains uncooperative, frustrating the ongoing search for Fletcher.