York County, SC: On Wednesday, April 30, 2008, the York County Sheriff's Office will unveil the new design for their patrol cars. This is the first time since 1997 that the sheriff’s office has changed the appearance of the cars.

The new cars are gray and have reflective graphics and decals that make them more visible, thereby enhancing the safety of the vehicles and doing more to signify them as law enforcement vehicles.

The new designs incorporate various informative decals. For the benefit of the public there are important telephone numbers, but in keeping with the tradition of professionalism that the office has always shown, the new designs also have a significant link to the history and heritage of the organization.

The cars are being ordered to replace the vehicles as they are rotated out of use. It will take approximately three years to replace the entire fleet.

Any questions can be directed to Sheriff Bryant or Captain Allen Brandon at 628-3057.

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Contact(s): Captain Glenn Williams: 803-628-3156 (office); 803-984-3608 (cell)

York County, SC: The 2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will be held locally on May 1, 2008. This run will culminate in the lighting of the flame at the Opening Ceremonies for the South Carolina Special Olympics Summer Games on the evening of May 2, 2008, at Fort Jackson. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an event participated in by law enforcement officers throughout the world, with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. In 2007, the Torch Run raised more than $30,000,000 for Special Olympics programs internationally, with more than 85,000 law enforcement officers carrying torches across 35 nations. In South Carolina, over 100 agencies participated in the run. Special Olympics-South Carolina serves over 15,000 athletes annually.

Route of Travel: The South Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run consists of several legs originating in various parts of the state, all ending at the Opening Ceremonies. The York County leg will begin Thursday, May 1, 2008, at 7:50 a.m. at Walter Elisha Park on Highway 160 in Fort Mill, S. C. Officers from local law enforcement agencies will participate in the run, along with several Special Olympics athletes. The participants will meet in the main parking lot of Elisha Park and leave the park by turning left onto Highway 160. The run will follow Highway 160 and then turn left onto Highway 21, continue on Cherry Road, turn left onto Constitution Blvd., left on Main, and then right on Black Street.

The law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes will stop for a brief ceremony at the plaza of the Rock Hill City Hall on Black Street at approximately 9:50 AM. One of the Special Olympics athletes, among other people, will speak briefly before the run continues towards Chester. The runners will travel east from City Hall on Black Street and then right onto Saluda Road to the Chester County line, where the torch will be passed to law enforcement officers from Chester County. The torch will continue through Chester and Fairfield counties, eventually ending at the Opening Ceremonies.

For additional information, you can access the Special Olympics of South Carolina website at www.so-sc.org .

**Note: We estimate the runners actually leaving Elisha Park at 8:00 a.m. and stopping at City Hall at approximately 9:50 a.m. for the ceremony. We plan to continue the run from City Hall at 10:15 a.m. and pass the torch to Chester county officers at approximately 11:50 a.m. at the Chester County line on Saluda Road (Saluda Road and Chappell Road). Attached is a copy of the schedule and route.

Contact(s): Sheriff Bruce Bryant or Major Robbie Hudgins @ (803) 628-3057

York County, SC: York County Sheriff’s Office Training Lieutenant Brian D. Boling graduated from the 232nd Session of the FBI National Academy Program on Friday, March 14, 2008 at Quantico, Virginia. Lieutenant Boling was among Two Hundred and eighty law enforcement officers graduating in the 232nd Session of the National Academy consisting of men and women from 48 states, the District of Columbia, 21 international countries, 4 military organizations, and three federal civilian organizations.

The FBI National Academy Program is internationally known for its academic excellence and offers 10 weeks of advance investigative, management, and fitness training to selected officers. Training is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their field of expertise. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia for many of the courses provided.

A total of 41,429 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in July 1935. Of this number, approximately 23,917 are still serving in the law enforcement profession, including 3 prior National Academy graduates at the York County Sheriff's Office.

Lieutenant Boling is commended for his graduation in the 232nd Session of the FBI National Academy Program.

Contact(s): Major Robbie Hudgins or Lori Stoneburner @ (803) 628-3057

York County, SC: The Sheriff’s Foundation of York County, Inc., is pleased to announce its first annual scholarship opportunity for high school seniors who are currently enrolled in a public or private/home school in York County. A minimum of two $1000 scholarships will be awarded. Applications must be received by April 11, 2008.

Interested students can get an application with guidelines from their school’s guidance department, or by contacting
Lori Stoneburner at (803)-628-3057.

Contact(s): Captain Jerry Hoffman or Lt. Kelly Lovelace @ (803) 628-3059

York County, SC: On 01/10/2008 a Highway Interdiction Team deputy observed a red 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix make an improper lane change on I-77 (northbound). The deputy conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Upon approaching the vehicle the deputy could smell the odor of marijuana: It was determined that one of the passengers of the vehicle, Hannes Carlos, was wanted on out-of-state charges (Trafficking Cocaine, FL). Additional deputies assisted in the arrest of Hannes Carlos. A search of the car was conducted and deputies located a large white stuffed Teddy Bear in the trunk. Upon picking up the bear, deputies felt that the chest of the bear appeared to be stuffed with something and felt some hard items in each of the legs of the bear. Deputies obtained permission to open the bear. Inside the chest they found a bag containing approximately 1000 grams of cocaine. In each leg of the bear deputies found a pill bottle containing 80mg oxycodone pills. The two bottles combined contained a total of 250 oxycodone pills.

The following occupants were arrested and transported to the York County Detention Center:

Cathy Armbrester
110 NW 75 Street Apt 4
Miami FL, 33150
32 Years Old

Christine Mesyeux
110 NW 75 Street Apt 4
Miami, FL 33150
21 Years Old

Hannes Fabian Carlos
492 NW 165 Street
Miami FL, 33169
27 Years Old

Contact(s): Sheriff Bruce Bryant or Major Robbie Hudgins @ (803) 628-3057

York County, SC: Sheriff Bruce Bryant is pleased to announce that two York County Deputies have been recognized for their Anti-Drugs Effort during Operation Rolling Thunder II in Spartanburg County, see the information below released from Spartanburg County today including their attachments, the Spartanburg contact is as noted:

Law enforcement officers from across South Carolina and Georgia participated in Operation Rolling Thunder II during the period of October 21 – 26, 2007. This increased traffic enforcement operation worked around the clock during this period with operations concentrated on Interstate 85 and Interstate 26 in Spartanburg County, SC. The attached documents provide a summary of the operation as measured in number of Traffic Violations ticketed, the amount of drugs seized (measured in grams), and other violations. The number of occupants in all vehicles stopped are provided and divided in to race / ethnic categories. There were approximately 1500 vehicles stopped during the five day operation with 223 vehicles searched. The following officers were rewarded for their efforts during the week:

Largest Drug Seizure – Deputy Terry Vinsett (York County Sheriff’s Office) 35 kilos of Cocaine and 40 grams
of Marijuana

Largest Currency Seizure – Captain Chris Jones (Dooley County Georgia Sheriff’s Office) 3 million dollars (US)

Team of the Week – York County Sheriff’s Office (Deputy Terry Vinsett & Deputy Randy Gibson)

Officer of the Week – Captain Chris Jones (Dooley County Georgia Sheriff’s Office)

Master Deputy Tony Ivey
Media Services / Crime Prevention / Neighborhood Watch
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office

Contact(s): Detention Center Sgt. Donna Lesslie @ (803) 628-3214

York County, SC: Sheriff Bruce Bryant is please to announce that the York County Sheriff’s Office, Detention Division, has installed an automated solution to receipting money from inmate families and friends. This ATM style machine is located at the front lobby of the Detention Center, and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This system allows the Detention Center to accept cash and credit card transactions to be credited directly to inmate accounts. This solution is fully funded by fees, similar to Bank ATM fees, assessed to the depositor.

Another provision of this service is available through a provider known as Government Payment Express. They are a privately owned company that can be contacted through the internet or telephone. This service allows customers to use a credit card or debit card to transfer funds to inmate accounts.

We believe that these services will be able to save time and expenses associated with providing funds to friends and family members that are being held here at the York County Detention Center.

If you have any questions on the use of this system please call Sgt. Lesslie at the number listed above.

Contact(s): Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant @ (803) 628-3057

York County, SC: Lack of privacy, evening interruptions, partial or misleading information, and distrust are some of the reasons there is skepticism with telemarketing. There are some good organizations that use telemarketing, but they are crowded out by many that are untrustworthy.

Too often we hear about scams that take advantage of trusting citizens. The result often ends up with identity theft, stolen money, or worse. Law enforcement organizations are believed to be reputable because they help fight crime and offer protection – and rightfully so. Unfortunately, some telemarketers use law enforcement-oriented names to get contributions through false credibility. Beware.

With this in mind, your South Carolina Sheriff’s Association has some practical advice to help verify the legitimacy of telemarketing organizations:

1. Ask questions such as where they are headquartered and the exact name of the organization. Verify the information provided.

2. Obtain the website address of the organization and review the website to see if they have any ongoing efforts in the community.

3. Ask for information to be mailed to you. If they cannot or will not, it’s a poor indication.

4. Ask if the person calling actually works for the organization or if they are employed by a separate firm which represents the organization. This will help verify the caller.

5. If it is a separate company that ‘represents’ the fundraising organization, ask what percentage of the net proceeds go to the charitable cause. Credible fundraisers do not make money based on a percentage of the money raised.

It’s always important to make intelligent choices when deciding whether or not to donate money over the phone. A few organizations are legitimate, but unfortunately many are not. Remember that it’s okay to say “No” to telemarketers.

“If you get a call asking for money, they do not represent my Association because many years ago the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association decided not to use telemarketing,” said Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant.

The South Carolina Sheriff’s Association limits correspondence to constituents to traditional mail only. For example, later this month, Honorary Members will receive a letter describing a fund to support officers killed in the line of duty. The letter will also highlight six deputies who received Medal of Valor Awards based on their demonstration of extraordinary bravery in the line of duty.

About the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association: Founded in (1913), the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association is a non-profit professional and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of peace and protection of the lives and property of the citizens of the Palmetto State. Jeffrey Moore serves as executive director. For more information on the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association visit www.sheriffsc.com or write South Carolina Sheriff’s Association – 112 Westpark Boulevard Columbia, SC 29210.

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Contact(s): Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant @ (803) 628-3057

York County, SC: Governor Mark Sanford recently appointed York County Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Training Council.

The purpose of this council is to ensure the public safety and the general welfare of the people of this state, and to promote equity for all segments of society. The council is responsible for creating a program of training for law enforcement officers and other persons employed in the criminal justice system in South Carolina. This shall be accomplished through the establishment of minimum and advanced standards in law enforcement selection and training. The goals of the council are to maximize training opportunities for law enforcement officers and criminal justice personnel, to coordinate training, and to set standards for the law enforcement and criminal justice service.

The council is comprised of two sheriffs, two chiefs of police and a detention facility director, all of whom are appointed by the Governor. Additionally, the S.C. Attorney General, the Chief of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division, the Director of the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, the Director of the S.C. Department of Corrections, the Director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the Director of the S.C. Department of Public Safety, and the Director of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy are ex officio members of the council.

The S.C. Criminal Justice Academy recently returned to the status of a stand alone entity and moved from under the S.C. Department of Public Safety. The council member appointments were changed by the governor. The first meeting of the new council was held in March. During this meeting, Sheriff Bryant was unanimously elected to serve as Chairman by the council members.

Contact: Detective Carson Neely (803) 628-3059
or E-mail to carson.neely@yorkcountygov.com

York County Sheriff’s Office is a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
As a member we offer Internet Safety Presentations for parents, students and the community.

If you are a member of any organization and desire a safety presentation please contact Detective Carson Neely.
As parents we can be proactive on safety by being informed.

The York County Sheriff's Office offers the following Safety Tips:

1) Establish rules for Internet use.
2) Keep the computer in a common room
3) Be informed about the children’s computer usage
4) Consider safeguards
5) Check history files
6) Communicate importance of safety and possible dangers
7) Contact Cyber Tipline : (800)-483-5678
8) Never give out personal information
9) Tell your children to report unwanted or disturbing images or contacts
10) Be involved

Contact: Lt. Tim Hager or Capt. Jerry Hoffman (803) 628-3059

On October 30, 2005 skeletal remains were found in a wooded area off Vista Road in Fort Mill SC. The remains were sent to the University of Tennessee for examination by forensic anthropologists. The findings from the examination indicate the remains are that of a Hispanic male possibly of Guatemalan descent between 5’ 00” and 5’ 05” in stature. It is estimated that he would have been 45 to 60 years of age. He had black hair.

The examination indicates the time of death to be one to three years. The remains were clothed in a Puritan brand medium sized gray short-sleeve plaid shirt, Wrangler blue jeans, a Dickies belt, gray Hanes underwear and size 7 Thom McCann work shoes.

Mike Baker (York County Sheriff's Office) forensically reconstructed the facial features of the remains. This reconstruction is a representation of what the individual may have looked like when alive.

El 30 de octobre del 2005 un esqueleto fue encontrado en un bosque cerca de la calle Vista en Fort Mill, carolina del sur. Los restos mortales pertenecen a un hispano, posiblemente de origin guatamalteco.

Tenía entre 45 y 60 anos de edad cuando murió. Medía entre 5 pies y 5 pies con 5 pulgadas de altura y tuvo cabello negro.

La ropa que traía era tipo campesino, camisa de color gris con botones, vaqueros de marca Wrangler, cinturón de marca Dickies, ropa interior de color gris de marca Hanes y zapatos, número 7 de marca Thom McCann. Es possible que la persona haya fallecido mediante un ano y 3 anos antes de que fueron desubiertos sus restos mortales.

Los dibujos muestran una reconstrucción de como hubiera sido este hombre en vida; no es un retrato de él. Si usted cree que sabe quien es este hombre, favor de llamar a Crimestoppers al 1-877-409-4321. Usted no tiene que identificarse y puede ser eligible para recibir una recompensa. Puede corresponder a través de e mail desde este sitio en inglés o en espanol. También se puede enviar pistas por correo al :

Contact(s): Lt. Beth Tolson or Capt. Jerry Hoffman @ (803) 628-3059

York County, SC: Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant is pleased to announce that the York County Sheriff's Office is providing a sex offender registry that can be used by the public to better inform them of registered sex offenders living in their neighborhoods. The sex offender registry can be accessed by using the York County Sheriff's Office website at www.yorkcountysheriff.com and selecting the link on the left of the page that reads

Once the link is selected, a user can choose one of several options listed at the top of the webpage, including “Search Your Area”, “Get Email Alerts”, “Find an Offender”, and “Safety Tips”. All of these links will provide the user with important information and allow the user to receive emails through their own email account notifying the user when a sex offender moves within one mile of an address they are interested in, such as home, a school, or a park. These links also allow the user to search a specific address and immediately view a map showing the address of all registered sex offenders within one mile of the address in question.

The York County Sheriff's Office is providing this free service in order for citizens to have the ability to maintain an awareness of sex offenders living in their neighborhoods and to increase public safety within York County. Complete information can be obtained by visiting the “York County’s Sex Offenders” link at www.yorkcountysheriff.com.

Contacts: Sheriff Bruce Bryant or Major Robbie Hudgins @ (803) 628-3059

York County, SC: Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant and the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association want you to know that the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association has no affiliation with the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association, nor is it supported or endorsed by the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association. The United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association is located in Houston, Texas, and uses a post office address in Columbia.

If you have any questions regarding the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, we urge you to call the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, toll free, at 888-242-7484.

The South Carolina Sheriff’s Association also wishes to remind everyone that it does not engage in raising funds through telemarketing, and anyone representing themselves as calling on its behalf is misrepresenting themselves and the association.

For further information you can contact the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association at 803-772-1101, or via email sheriffsc@aol.com.

Contact(s): Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant
or Accreditation Officer John Hicks @ (803) 628-3059

York County, SC: Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant is pleased to announce that the York County Sheriff’s Office has recently entered into an agreement with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). CALEA, created in 1983, is a nationally recognized agency that has been accrediting law enforcement agencies since 1985. The accreditation concept is described as a voluntary approach by which an organization seeks to achieve, objectively verify, and maintain high quality in their operations through periodic evaluations conducted by an independent, nongovernmental body that has an established set of standards. The Commission will certify that a specific function within a law enforcement agency, such as training, communications, internal affairs, or court security, meets or exceeds certain accreditation standards, and awards “certification” status on that basis.

An agency in the accreditation process will receive the full support and services of the Commission for the duration of the Accreditation Agreement. Self-assessment officially begins after an agency has signed an Accreditation Agreement, paid its fees, completed an Agency Profile Questionnaire, and receives a briefing with an assigned CALEA Program Manager.

Self-assessment provides an opportunity for the law enforcement agency to conduct a thorough review of its activities to determine whether they meet the requirements of the standards. A systematic analysis of the Standards Manual identifies the extent to which the agency meets or exceeds the requirements of those standards that are applicable. Self-assessment also reveals those areas wherein the agency does not meet the requirements of the standards, identifying what must be done to achieve and document compliance. The self-assessment usually lasts approximately two-to-three years.

At the conclusion of self-assessment the law enforcement agency will have an on-site assessment, conducted by trained Commission assessors. Upon a successful on-site Assessment the agency will be presented to the Commission for a final review and decision about whether to award accredited status.

Accredited agencies frequently report many benefits, including increased accountability and reduced liability as a result of having sound policies and procedures that have been verified by the Commission as in compliance with professionally recognized standards.

The York County Sheriff's Office was awarded South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA) in May 2005.

York County Sheriff’s Office May 16, 2005

Press Release: Awarded South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation

Contact(s): Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant or Captain Robbie Hudgins at (803) 628-3059

Sheriff Bruce M. Bryant is proud to announce that the York County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Council advised Sheriff Bryant that the York County Sheriff’s Office had met all the standards to become a South Carolina Law Enforcement Accredited agency after he appeared before the Council in Columbia, SC on Thursday, April 28, 2005. South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Council member, Robert Benfield of the South Carolina Association of Counties, presented Sheriff Bryant with the official Certificate of Accreditation at the York County Council meeting on Monday, May 16, 2005 in York. The certificate states:

“The York County Sheriff’s Office has demonstrated dedication to excellence and professionalism in South Carolina law enforcement through voluntary compliance to specific standards designed to enhance the professional delivery of law enforcement services, and recognized as a leader in South Carolina law enforcement…”

The Sheriff’s Office was required to satisfy 238 individual standards contained within 26 chapters of identified law enforcement agency topics. The Accreditation Manager, Deputy John Hicks, provided excellent leadership and maintained the required proof documentation of compliance for each standard. But it is the overall efforts of the dedicated men and women of the York County Sheriff's Office that has made it possible for this honor to be obtained. Everyone worked hard to make South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation possible!

The Sheriff Office will now begin to work toward accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in order to achieve National accreditation.

Contact: Sheriff Bruce Bryant (803) 628-3057
or Captain Allen Brandon (803) 628-3059

York County, South Carolina – The Office of Emergency Management and the York County Sheriff’s Office have been utilizing a tool known as “reverse 911 system” for assistance with mass notifications. This system was installed by York County in 1997 and has been used on a regular basis by county offices and law enforcement agencies since then.

“Reverse 911” is a calling system that uses a recorded message played via telephone to provide information to the person answering the line. It is used to notify the public of events taking place within proximity of their residence and/or business. This includes events such as crimes in progress, suspicious activities, missing persons, and/or individuals being sought by law enforcement. The purpose behind “Reverse 911” is to notify as many people as quickly as possible of information involving their neighborhoods or surrounding areas. The objectives are, first and foremost, to keep the public informed for safety reasons, and also to allow officials to benefit from any information that citizens may have that they ordinarily would not realize was pertinent to situations currently in progress.

“Reverse 911” has been routinely used to notify county employees of potential hazards and/or delays and closings caused by inclement weather.