By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A couple accused of trying to hitch a ride from a man but instead beating and robbing him are behind bars.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that Trista Fawn Donaldson, 32, was charged Tuesday with felony aiding and abetting.

Authorities say a man driving a car saw her walking along Hurley School Road about 2:30 a.m. Saturday and asked if she needed a ride.

Donaldson initially told the man she did and, at the same time, her husband, Jeremy Eugene Motley, emerged from a wooded area. Officials say Motley jumped into the man’s pickup, removed the keys from the ignition and tossed them into the woods. Motley then began punching the victim, took his money and chased him around the vehicle.

The driver managed to get away and called authorities.

Deputies received a report earlier in the evening that Motley was intoxicated and causing a disturbance.

Motley, 28, was charged Tuesday with felony common law robbery, felony breaking and entering a vehicle, misdemeanor simple assault, and misdemeanor parole violation. He remains in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond.

Donaldson remains in the county jail under a $10,000 secured bond.

Motley was convicted in 2016 of possession of a Schedule I substance, assault on a law enforcement officer, and maintaining a place for controlled substance.

Motley is on probation for a March conviction of felony breaking and entering, abandonment of animals, cruelty to animals and possession of a Schedule I substance. He has also been convicted of marijuana possession, felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony breaking and entering, conspiracy to traffick in drugs, and a traffic infraction.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.