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The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office was busy during the first quarter of 2024. Charlotte Sheriff J.R. Grissom released statistics from Jan. 1 to April 5 this week, detailing the work done by his department. 

“I believe it is important to keep the citizens of Charlotte County informed of the enforcement, community service and crime prevention,” Grissom said in a statement. “The Sheriff’s Office staff work diligently to protect, serve, and to hold individuals accountable for their actions. I am grateful of the hard work in every division of the Sheriff’s Office.” 

Looking at the data, first we have details on the traffic component. During the first quarter of 2024, deputies with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office conducted 743 traffic stops on vehicles in the area. To date, 125 of those stops were a result of vehicles going in excess of 80mph, six involved vehicles traveling in excess of 90 mph and two were vehicles traveling in excess of 100 mph.

As for criminal investigations, there have been nine search warrants executed, the data shows, with multiple charges brought as a result. Those charges include possession with intent to distribute Schedule I/II narcotics, namely heroin/fentanyl; possession of Schedule I/II narcotics, namely methamphetamine/cocaine. There was one charge of rape by force, one charge of strangulation and one incident involving child pornography. Also, there was one incident involving possession of obscene items depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal. 

There have been 127 felonies and 46 misdemeanors warrants/capias served, ultimately leading to the arrest of 96 people in Charlotte County. That does not include the warrants that were taken out from other jurisdictions and arrests for other jurisdictions.

Charlotte sheriff looks at community 

The Charlotte sheriff also pointed out that his office continues to work with narcotics investigators from the State Police and the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office through the Tri-County Drug and Gang Task Force. 

“Our task force works actively to enforce and arrest narcotics violations in our counties,” Grissom said. 

On the community service side of things, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office conducted one public safety presentation this quarter. Deputies and investigators also conducted 642 business and residential checks this quarter. Grissom added that he felt the business and residential checks are crucial in preventing larcenies and other property crimes.

If you want to report a crime or have information that could facilitate an investigation, please contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 434-542-5141. If you have an emergency, please call 911.