Welcome to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office website! Sheriff Steven S. Smith has proudly served as Sheriff of Greene County since January 1, 2012. Under his leadership, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office has developed into an innovative law enforcement agency with the latest technology, education and training. The office is constantly modernizing to stay up to date with the latest developments in law enforcement.
Sheriff Steven Smith continues his movement on “Putting Citizens First” by implementing cost-effective programs beneficial to citizens; also, to identify what works and what doesn’t, to continually improve local law enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is comprised of dedicated individuals sharing the vision of the Sheriff, and who perform as a team to accomplish set goals and objectives. We are a community policing agency and are very pro-active, offering various community based programs.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about how we serve Greene County, and how you can help us to serve you even better.
The Victim Witness program supports and aids crime victims, families, and witnesses throughout the court process. Director Kenlyn Snow serves as a liaison between the prosecutors, victims, and witnesses as developments occur in cases. Victims and/or Witnesses have rights, make your voice be heard.
Crime hurts everyone.
Crime Knows no barriers.
Our Victim Witness Director, Kenlyn Snow, at the “Expand the Circle” victim resource event held in Charlottesville today.
Thanks Medic 5 for showing your appreciation to our communication officers for their hard work and dedication. Also thanks Ruckersville Fire Dept and Greene County Rescue Squad for their kind comments and recognition of our communications staff.
2018 YOUTH ACADEMY
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting our annual Youth Academy for rising 9th graders – rising 12th graders. Participants will be trained in First Aid/CPR along with being educated on weapon safety, crime scene investigation, court procedures, and many other law enforcement training topics. The participants will also take tours of the Central Virginia Regional Jail and the Criminal Justice Academy. This week long academy allows the participants to gain a wealth of knowledge in the field of law enforcement and criminal justice. Lunch will be provided each day for the participants. Upon completion, certificates will be awarded to each individual. The dates for this year’s academy are June 4, 2018 – June 8, 2018. Applications will be available for pick-up at your school’s administrative office. All applications must be turned in to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office by May 21, 2018.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
SCAM CALLS AND TEXTS:
Our office has been receiving notifications of scam phone calls and texts.
The phone calls are coming from the phone number 337-385-937 claiming to be the IRS and threatening arrest if you do not respond. This phone number has also claimed to be pizza delivery and extended car warranty. DO NOT RESPOND BY EITHER PHONE CALL OR TEXT MESSAGE.
Another scam reported today is a text message from Wells-Fargo stating that they need to verify your identity and posting a link for you to click. DO NOT CLICK THE LINK.
Please do not give any personal information over the phone and do not click on links in either text messages or email. If you are concerned that there is an issue with one of your accounts, contact the business directly (you can either call or go to their website). A reputable company will not ask you to divulge personal information over the phone unless you initiate the call, nor do they send links in emails.
Please continue to keep our office updated with any similar information. Please share this information with your family and friends, especially the elderly who may be more prone to be unaware of these scams.
DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS
With so much distraction going on in our lives, distracted driving has become a widespread issue, today more than ever.
Each day, 10 people die in distracted driving crashes, contributing to the 37,000 people killed in crashes on US roadways last year according to the National Highway Safety Administration.
Contrary to what some drivers might think, hands-free, hand held and in vehicle technology are still very distracting, even when the driver’s eyes are on the road and their hands are on the wheel.
**Remember to share the road, with motorcycles, bicycles & pedestrians.
**Practice work zone safety awareness
**Drive to Save Lives - protect yourself, your occupants; use safety belts and drive the speed limit
It’s not about writing tickets, It’s about saving lives.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Fuel Pump Card Skimmers
Fuel pump card skimmers are still an important issue in this area and surrounding counties.
Card skimmers are still being installed at fuel pumps, sometimes inside the cabinet where they can't be seen. These skimmers aren't just a risk for customers, but also business owners as well.
Here are a few steps to take to limit your risks:
A) Use a credit card instead of a debit card to make your purchase.
B) Examine the card reader, if it seems loose it may have been tampered with.
C) Examine the fuel pump for a tamper-proof seal across the opening of the credit card door. If a seal is present make sure it is not torn or does not say "VOID". See photos attached.
D) Check your accounts to detect any charges skimmers may have charged to your card.
PRESS RELEASE
March 26, 2018
TO: LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
FROM: GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
10005 SPOTSWOOD TRAIL
STANARDSVILLE, VIRGINIA 22973
PHONE: 434-985-2222 FAX: 434-985-3373
On Thursday March 22, 2018 Greene County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit apprehended a fugitive from Pennsylvania. Joshua Paul Luchkiw, age 32 was wanted out of Butler County PA on multiple felonies to include Terroristic Threats, Aggravated Assault Resisting Arrest and other related offenses. The Street Crimes Unit was able to locate and arrest Mr. Luchkiw in the Ruckersville area without any further incident.
Joshua Paul Luchkiw is being held without bail at the Central Virginia Regional Jail and is awaiting an extradition hearing to be returned to Pennsylvania.
Every year in May, the Sheriff’s Office holds the Major Russell Lane Annual Golf Tournament at the Greene Hills Club in Stanardsville. We specifically hold this tournament to raise funds for our annual Shop With a Cop event in December. Shop With A Cop is an event that helps underprivileged children in our community enjoy Christmas with presents they may otherwise have to do without. The event also helps to foster positive relationships between youth and officers.
There are businesses in our community that go beyond donating to our cause. These businesses have been instrumental in our efforts to raise funds for these children. This year we decided to present these businesses with plaques to show our appreciation for all that they have done for us.
Thank you for all that you do.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Countryside Self Storage
Terrace Greene Apartments
United Bank
Bi-Rite Auto Sales
Greene Hills Club
David Randle, Attorney at Law
Barboursville Vineyards
Roto-Rooter
Mission BBQ
911 Operations Manager Position
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for F/T 911 Operations Manager. Seeking professional, highly responsible, technical supervisor for the Communications Center; plans, organizes, directs, schedules, monitors & evaluates the operation & personnel of the Communications Center; skilled in written & oral communications; thorough geography knowledge of Greene County & surrounding areas. Final candidates must pass a thorough background investigation. Applications may be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office or on the Sheriff’s website: www.greenecountysheriffva.com. Application Deadline: 3/29/18, 4:30 pm. EEO
We would like to invite you to come to the budget workshop today at 5:30. We understand this is short notice so if you can't attend please tune in on the live stream located on the County website. Thank you.
BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING
Don't rely on the luck of the Irish to get you home safe if you plan to drink and drive this St. Patrick's Day.
St. Patrick's Day is one of the deadliest holidays due to the number of drunk drivers on the road. Drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people each year in our country, and each of those deaths is preventable.
We're urging our community's residents and guests to plan ahead for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. If you're going to drink, designate a sober driver before you go out.
REMEMBER: IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT YOU. THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROADS WHO WANT TO GET WHERE THEY ARE GOING SAFELY.
We understand there are quite a few areas still without power in the county. Rappahannock Electric has a projected restoration timeline on their Facebook page, please check their page for updates. If you have any concerns or have neighbors that you feel need to be checked on please call our office at (434) 985-2222.
Today has been a very eventful day for our office, fire departments and rescue. Thank you to all who have worked so diligently clearing all the havoc this storm has caused.
We would like to also take this opportunity to thank Domino’s and the Belvin family for donating food and also Papa John’s and Walmart for their contributions in the Belvin family donation.
Also, thank you to our dispatchers who have been answering the many calls, aiding the community and making sure that everyone got the assistance they needed.
TO: LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
FROM: GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
10005 SPOTSWOOD TRAIL
STANARDSVILLE, VIRGINIA 22973
PHONE: 434-985-2222
FAX: 434-985-3373
On Wednesday morning a Deputy with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office while on routine patrol conducted a traffic stop that led to the arrest of two Greene County residents in the Ruckersville area.
This traffic stop resulted in the seizure of various types of drugs along with ammunition and U.S. Currency.
Based off information that was collected from this traffic stop it led the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit to execute a search warrant. This warrant resulted in the seizure of additional drugs.
The following individuals were arrested as a result:
Casey Leo Walts age 21, resident of Ruckersville
18.2-248 Possession of Schedule I or II with intent to distribute (Felony) 2 counts
18.2-250 Possession of Cocaine (Felony)
18.2-308.2 Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (Felony)
18.2-248.1 Possession of Marijuana with the intent to distribute (Felony)
18.2-248.1 Possession of Marijuana with the intent to distribute (Misdemeanor)
18.2-250.1 Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor)
Robert Paul Ferko age 22, resident of Ruckersville
18.2-248 Possession of Schedule I or II with intent to distribute (Felony)
. 18.2-250 Possession of Cocaine (Felony) 2 counts
18.2-95 Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
18.2-308.2 Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (Felony)
18.2-248.1 Possession of Marijuana with the intent to distribute (Felony)
46.2-301 Drive motor vehicle while being suspended.
Greene County Sheriff’s Office
Full-Time & Part Time Communications Officers
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for full-time & part time communications officers. Salary: $32,675 - $33,655. Seeking professional, highly responsible, technical individuals. Minimum Qualifications: Excellent listening & written communications skills; ability to speak distinctly on the telephone/radio & accurately relay information into a computer; ability to type with speed/accuracy; ability to multi-task under pressure; 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma/GED. Final candidates must pass a thorough background investigation. Preferred Qualification: 2 years emergency dispatch experience. Candidates may pick up an application at the Sheriff’s Office or at www.greenecountysheriffva.com/about-us/join-our-team/ EEO
Such a nice visit with Piper Ivy Daycare Center! Thanks for giving us the opportunity!
PRESS RELEASE
February 14, 2018
TO: LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
FROM: GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
10005 SPOTSWOOD TRAIL
STANARDSVILLE, VIRGINIA 22973
PHONE: 434-985-2222
FAX: 434-985-3373
On Tuesday night February 13, 2018 Greene County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stacy Dannyelle Shifflett. Ms. Shifflett is a 30 year old female who is a resident of Greene County.
While employed at a local business in the Ruckersville area during 2017 Ms. Shifflett is alleged to have fraudulently taken cash belonging to the business.
Ms. Stacy Dannyelle Shifflett was charged with the following felonies:
18.2-111 Embezzlement (2 counts)
Ms. Shifflett is currently being held at Central Virginia Regional Jail with no bond.
This arrest occurred with assistance from Albemarle County Police Department and the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Police Department. Ms. Shifflett was taken into custody as she exited an airplane.
PRESS RELEASE
February 14, 2018
TO: LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
FROM: GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
10005 SPOTSWOOD TRAIL
STANARDSVILLE, VIRGINIA 22973
PHONE: 434-985-2222
FAX: 434-985-3373
On Friday night February 9, 2018 as part of an ongoing narcotics investigations conducted by members of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit led to an arrest in the Ruckersville area.
John Edward Jackson Jr. age 58 who is a resident of Locust Grove was arrested.
Mr. Jackson Jr. was charged with the following felony:
18.2-248 possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute
John Edward Jackson Jr. is currently being held without bail at the Central Virginia Regional Jail.
PRESS RELEASE
February 14, 2018
TO: LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
FROM: GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
10005 SPOTSWOOD TRAIL
STANARDSVILLE, VIRGINIA 22973
PHONE: 434-985-2222
FAX: 434-985-3373
On Tuesday night February 13, 2018 Greene County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jessica Lynch Bibb. Ms. Bibb is a 33 year old female who is a resident of Albemarle County.
This arrest was the result of an ongoing extortion investigation involving a former resident of Greene County.
Ms. Jessica Lynch Bibb was charged with the following felony:
18.2-59 Extortion
Ms. Bibb was released on a $5000 secure bond.
This was a joint operation with members from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit and members of the Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement Task Force (JADE).
PRESS RELEASE
February 14, 2018
TO: LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
FROM: GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
10005 SPOTSWOOD TRAIL
STANARDSVILLE, VIRGINIA 22973
PHONE: 434-985-2222
FAX: 434-985-3373
On Friday afternoon February 9, 2018 a Greene County Sheriff’s Office deputy on routine patrol conducted traffic stop in the Ruckersville area. Through the course of this traffic stop illegal narcotics were recovered.
Nicholas Devon McMillan, age 23 who is resident of Orange County was arrested.
Mr. McMillan was charged with the following felony:
18.2-250 possession of cocaine
Nicholas McMillan is currently being held without bail at the Central Virginia Regional Jail.
VIRGINIA SHERIFF'S INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) Scholarship Program provides an opportunity for young people across Virginia to pursue an educational curriculum in law enforcement or criminal justice. The VSI’s Board of Directors has established the application process for students to receive scholarships to assist in their educational endeavors. The scholarships are available only to students in jurisdictions where sheriffs participate in the VSI’s fundraising efforts. This program is limited to students attending Virginia colleges.
Beginning this year, VSI will only accept online applications. The deadline for the 2018-2019 school year is May 1, 2018.
It is necessary for resident sheriffs to submit a letter of recommendation for each completed online application. Please contact Sheriff Smith concerning the letter of recommendation at (434) 985-2222. The letter of recommendation must be uploaded with the application.
Please click here for more information and instructions on applying www.greenecountysheriffva.com/programs/youth
**E911 UPDATE**
On Thursday February 1st, 2018, we met with two Board of Supervisors members for the first time since the restructuring of 911 Communications by the County.
It appears that some want to paint the Sheriff's Office as being difficult or hard to get along with. This is a result of the notion that the County Government owns the Sheriff’s Office building when, in fact, it is my opinion that the building is paid for and owned by the taxpayers.
We would like to set the record straight. In 2012 when I took office as the Sheriff, Greene County had an Emergency Management Coordinator that worked out of the County Administration building. The Sheriff's Office had a 911 Supervisor in this office. This Supervisor along with all dispatchers worked under one roof at the Sheriff's Office and were under management of the Sheriff. The County, at the time, wanted to combine the Emergency Management Coordinator and 911 Supervisor into one position and have it managed by the Sheriff. We agreed to do so for the County because it would result in a cost savings to the taxpayers. This is how the two separate entities became one, managed by an Emergency Services Director under the direction of the Sheriff in August of 2012.
In September of 2016 the Emergency Services Director employee that was in that position was relieved of their duties. The Sheriff’s Office followed all termination procedures and submitted the information to County Administration. The County refused to process the termination paperwork submitted and kept the person on payroll with current salary even though the E911 duties and supervision had to be done by another employee. This is how the E911 duties have continued to operate since that time. We were unable to refill the position as long as the County kept them on payroll, and this is when we had to take the County to court to try to get the position filled again at the Sheriff's Office. That case is still pending even though the County says otherwise. The County disagrees on this position being filled by someone else and wants to let the terminated employee back into our office.
They feel they can tell us who can come into the Sheriff's Office even though they admitted in a previous agreement of another matter (This is a direct quote from a section of the agreement): “BOTH PARTIES UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, AS A CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA THE SHERIFF OF GREENE COUNTY IS EMPOWERED AND ENTITLED TO OPERATE HIS OFFICE IN SUCH A MANNER AND UNDER SUCH POLICIES AS HE DEEMS APPROPRIATE, AND THAT EMPLOYEES WILL BE SUBJECT TO THOSE POLICIES”. The County does not want to acknowledge this in this case for some reason.
I have advised the County that if they want to take control of County dispatchers they have to first have the facilities and equipment to safely and effectively take calls; which at this time they do not. It will be costly, unnecessary, and duplicative for the taxpayers to fund an additional center. The statement that was put out yesterday by Chairman Michelle Flynn is inflammatory and mostly untrue. We did have several meetings with different Board members and also the County Administrator before the restructuring, and only with Mrs. Durrer after the restructuring. Every agreement has been reneged on. I also asked for a public meeting to get this position refilled and it was granted but removed from the agenda three times and has yet to reappear. No other Supervisor would meet with us. Although the County maintains owning the building that we are housed in, that does not give them the right or authority to try and force people in our office that are deemed to be inappropriate. The County wants to keep 911 in the Sheriff's Office and yet have control of how it is maintained. By their own admission that is not permitted. There is sensitive equipment and information in our dispatch center and per Federal and State directives we have to have ultimate control. A letter was sent out to the press this week stating that all three Fire Chiefs wanted 911 moved to the County Administration building. Tuesday, January 30 was the first time that I saw the complaint letter from local fire departments. If this was an issue why wasn't it presented to us so we could discuss it? We have had no complaints from the Fire Department Chiefs since this 911 Manager position has been open. If anyone has any concerns or questions please feel free to contact me directly.
The people elected the Sheriff to manage the Sheriff’s Office and that is what I will continue to do. Thank you.
Sheriff Steve Smith
PRESS RELEASE
January 31, 2018
TO: LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
FROM: GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
10005 SPOTSWOOD TRAIL
STANARDSVILLE, VIRGINIA 22973
PHONE: 434-985-2222 FAX: 434-985-3373
On the morning of January 30, a rumor began at WMHS regarding a threat towards students and staff. Immediately upon receiving a report of this threat, WMHS administration, division personnel, and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office collaborated to conduct a swift and thorough investigation. Through that investigation it was determined that there was no credible threat towards students or staff, and the rumor was a hoax. A juvenile has now been charged with one misdemeanor (18.2-427) and one felony (18.2-83) related to these events. Under the advisement of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, all schools have continued to operate under our normal schedules and procedures. Students and staff safety remains a top priority. Matters such as these are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Anyone with questions or concerns can either contact the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Major Charles Swingler
(434) 985-2222 or Greene County School Administraion,
Bryan Huber (434) 939-9000.
