The Sumter County Sheriff's Office will be sponsoring it's 6th Annual BBQ Chicken Dinner to raise funds benefitting the local Toys for Tots this holiday season. Each year we have partnered with the local detachment of the Marine Corps League to try and bring some happiness to needy children in the Sumter community at Christmas. If you're interested in purchasing a meal for yourself or your organization, please make contact with Lt Rick Nelson (803-464-7782) or Lt Lee Monahan (803-436-2161). Delivery is available for orders of 6 plates or more. Please help us to help make a child smile this Christmas.

    It’s the time of year for sweets, costumes, tricks and tricks. Halloween will be observed in Sumter County on Monday October 31, 2011. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging citizens to keep some crucial safety tips in mind during this time. Be cautious of your surroundings and the treats you may receive.  Parents are reminded to accompany younger children to the door of every residence you approach. If any type of suspicious or unlawful activity is taking place, notify Law Enforcement immediately. We are encouraging drivers to reduce your speed and stay alert during this time because children may simply forget Pedestrian Safety Rules. It may also be hard for drivers to see children in the dark so please carry a flashlight or glow stick. Do not wear any costume accessories that may obstruct your view. Remember, do not eat any candy until it is checked by an adult at home.

    The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office will participate by issuing candy at various locations from 6pm until 8pm. A Uniformed Deputy will be at the Cherryvale Community Center, Shiloh Community Center, Rembert Community Center, Dalzell Community Center, Pinewood Town Hall, South Sumter Resource Center and the Sumter Mall during the appointed time. There will be a bouncy house and a movie played while attending the Sumter Mall Event. We are encouraging and reminding you to be safe.

    For more information, please contact Sr. Cpl. Latisha Billie at 803-774-6146.

Due to overwhelming amount of stray animals in the county, and the recent amount of dog attacks, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit is enforcing a “Zero Tolerance Policy” for dogs and cats roaming freely within the County, and for pet owners failing to vaccinate their pets (titles 47-3-10 through 47-3-710). (MORE BELOW)

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On 8/31/11, Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 4627 Blanche Rd. Lot 184 Burgess Glen Mobile Home Park in reference to shots being fired. When Deputies arrived they found four victims with gun shot wounds. Three of the victims were transported to Tuomey Medical Center. Kiana Moore, age 18 of 4627 Blanche Rd.. Lot 184 Burgess Glen Mobile Home Park was pronounced dead at Tuomey Medical Center. David Acoff, age 20 of 4627 Blanche Rd. Lot 184 was transported to Richland Memorial for a gunshot wound to his back and shoulder. Ebony Canty, age 27 of 4627 Blanche Rd. Lot 141 was shot in the right thigh. A male juvenile was shot in his right leg and he was later transported to Richland Memorial Hospital.This case is still under investigation. A Press Conference will be held at The Sumter County Sheriff's Office 107 E. Hampton Ave. on September 1, 2011 at 11:30 p.m.

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    Recently there has been an enormous amount of Burglaries and Breaking and Entering of autos in the Dalzell and Ebenezer Communities. If you have any information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office. A cash reward up to $1,000 is available for any information leading to the arrest of the person(s) committing these crimes.

    If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 803-436-2718 or you can submit a tip online here or either submit it anonymously here.

On 8/10/11, Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a dirt lane off of Cane Savannah Rd. in reference to a body lying in the middle of the dirt lane. When deputies arrived they found a female body lying in the middle of the dirt lane partially clothed, with what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. The victim has been identified as 33 year old Melissa Corley Haley of Sumter County. An autopsy was performed this morning and showed the victim had multiple stab wounds.

As a result of the investigation, Investigators have arrested 40 year old Samuel George Henderson of Sumter County and charged him with murder. In addition, Investigators have also charged Henderson’s wife, 39 year old Michelle Henderson also of Sumter County and charged her with accessory after the fact of murder. Both individuals were taken to the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center where they are awaiting a bond hearing. More charges are expected.

At this time this case is still under investigation. 

    In regards to the new state law regarding the transporting, selling and purchasing of nonferrous metals (copper, aluminum, etc., see here) the Sumter County Sheriff's Office has made the applications for permits available on our website (click here). These may be filled in electronically and printed out to bring to our office to obtain a permit number. Applications will be available at the office as well. The new law will go into effect August 16, 2011. Please download an application or stop by our office to fill one out prior to August 16, 2001, if you intend to transport these materials on that day.

    Anyone wishing to obtain a permit will be required to submit a complete application, present a valid driver's license or state ID and the vehicle information that will be transporting the metals. Permits do not cost the party selling or transporting nonferrous metals, but dealers wishing to purchase nonferrous metals commercially will be subjected to a $200 application fee. Both applications are on our Downloads page to the right.

    For the full text of the law click here and scroll down to 16-17-680.

      The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit will be hosting a National Night Out Kickoff Rally on Aug 02, 2011. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. National Night Out is an event where neighbors turn on their outside security lights to promote the use of outdoor lighting and to spend the evening getting to know each other.  Many neighborhoods have block parties or small gatherings to get to know one another.

     The Sheriff’s Office National Night Out Kickoff Rally will be held at the front entrance to its Forensic and Technology Building located at 1285 Highway 15 North (old jail site). Some of the highlights of this event will include: Sheriff’s Office Exhibit and Display, Car Seat Installation Demonstrations, Back to School Supplies Giveaway, Crime Prevention Educational Tips, and a Meet and Greet with McGruff the Crime Dog. This event will also give potential Community groups an opportunity to gain information on how to get their programs started and successfully keep them functioning. In addition, Drawings will be held for various prizes during the event.

     The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to participate and partnership with us to prevent crime within Sumter County. If you would like to pre-register a new Crime Watch group or would like more information, please contact our Crime Prevention Unit by phone at (803) 774-3868 or (803) 774-6146, or via email.

     This event will be held from 5pm-7pm. At the conclusion of the event McGruff the Crime Dog will be visiting numerous Neighborhood and Crime Watch Communities. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate America’s Night out against Crime.

On June 17, 2011 Officers with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Narcotics Division, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Broad Street, as a result of the stop, officers located approximately 230.0 grams of marijuana. Estimated street value $2300.00.  Mr. Sanders has two prior drug convictions. Mr. Sanders was arrested and transported to the Sumter Lee Regional Detention Center.

On 6/17/11 Willie Thomas Brown Age 44 of Sumter was arrested in Jacksonville, N.C. by the N.C. Fugitive Task Force. Willie Thomas Brown is a suspect that was wanted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office for the murder of Raphael Gunter that occurred on 5/16/11 at South Forge Apartments in Sumter County. Willie Thomas Brown was the last of four suspects to be arrested in this case.