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Arrest made in connection with body found in S.C. well

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. -- Anderson County deputies say the body of a woman -- last seen in September 2014 -- was discovered in a well on Saturday, reports CBS affiliate WSPA.

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Patricia Ann Freeman Anderson County Sheriff's Department

The body was identified as Patricia Ann Freeman, 57, who was reported missing on Feb. 6 by her brother. He told investigators that he had not seen his sister since Sept. 8 and had been concerned for his safety.

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office also said that the owner of the property, Perry Thomas Pruitt, was arrested on charges of unauthorized removal of a dead body Sunday, according to the station. No criminal charges were made.

Investigators say Pruitt, 54, was the sole owner of the well and that the body had been moved, placed into the well and the cover was put back on and locked.

The county coroner told WSPA the body had been found 40 feet below ground in a residential well. He believed the body may have been in the well for several months, according to the station.

Investigators were tipped off when neighbors complained of the taste of their water.

Freeman's friends have also been searching for answers regarding her disappearance, according to the CBS affiliate.

"At least now, I don't have that uneasy feeling, like I don't know where she is, what happened and are we ever going to find any evidence? But we got the proof today," Wilma Groves told WSPA.

The autopsy performed on Sunday was inconclusive, so the body will be sent elsewhere for toxicology results, according to the station.

The investigation is ongoing.

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