You are here: Home / Archives for Press Release

Bedford County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New RSVP Member: Soledad Moore

June 24, 2014 by

PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 24, 2014

Soledad Moore with Ricky Gardner

Welcome Soledad Moore

 

Major Ricky Gardner welcomes Soledad Moore as the newest member of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office’s Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol, (RSVP).

Sheriff Mike Brown started the RSVP program in May 2001 with six volunteers. Currently the program has 18 active members. The program utilizes retired persons in assisting deputies in non-emergency situations.

In 2013, the volunteers donated a total of 4250 hours, which saved Bedford County tax payers over $72,000. They drove 51,201 miles performing their duties. Last year, RSVP volunteers assisted with 803 department errands, assisted with 56 funerals, assisted 85 citizens with locked vehicles, performed 370 house checks, 626 school checks and delivered 76 meeting packets to Bedford County Board of Supervisor members. The RSVP volunteers also visit persons who participate with Project Life Saver Program making sure the batteries in their equipment are in good working order.

Sheriff Brown is very proud and appreciative to each volunteer for their devoted service to the citizens of Bedford County.

 

Filed Under: 2014, Citizen Information, Press Release, R.S.V.P.

Official Recognition for Officers Who Assisted in the May 20th Rescue of Drowning Men

June 24, 2014 by

aboutus

PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 24, 2014

 

On Friday June 27, 2014, Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown and Lt. Chris Thomas, Department of Game and Inland Fishers will recognize the men from their respective agencies who assisted in the rescue, see below, on Friday May 16, 2014. The ceremony will be held in the Emergency Operations Center located in the lower level of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 11:00 a.m.. The Rosko family will be in attendance to show their appreciation as well.

 

Two Men Rescued from Possible Drowning by Local Police Officers

At 3:37 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2014, Bedford County 911 dispatchers received a call from a Maurene Rosko at 1642 Krantzs Corner Road. She reported that her husband, Constantine Rosko age 83, and son, Curt Rosko age 54, were in a jon boat, on their private pond, attempting to remove an aerator pump when their boat capsized.  She said both men were in the water, holding on to the boat, and that her husband couldn’t swim. She also stated the water was approximately 8 to 9 feet deep.  Dispatchers broadcasted the call for distress and at 3:43 p.m. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Conservation Police Officer Dallas Neel arrived on the scene, followed by Bedford County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Shull at 3:44 p.m.  Officer Neel attempted to throw a lifesaving device to them, but after unsuccessful attempts, both he and Deputy Shull removed their shirts and duty belts, and went in to the pond.  They were able to swim to the subjects and successfully brought both men back to shore.  Bedford County Sheriff’s Office Major Ricky Gardner and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Captain Tony Fisher both agree that had these two officers not reacted as quickly as they did and put their training into action, the outcome may have been tragically different.

 

Bedford County Rescue Units arrived on the scene and examined both men who were tired and cold.  Neither men required additional treatment, and were not transported to the hospital.

Filed Under: 2014, Citizen Information, Officer Recognition, Press Release

Kevin Colgan Arrested For Solicitation To Commit Murder

June 19, 2014 by

PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 19, 2014

Kevin Colgan

KEVIN COLGAN

Since October 2012, Kevin Colgan has been in the process of a divorce from his former wife of 30 years, Sarah Colgan. While married they resided at 5713 East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Bedford, Va. Throughout the divorce process, Kevin Colgan has made threats towards Sarah Colgan, which resulted in an active protective order against Kevin Colgan. The final divorce hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2014 in Bedford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Over the last several months, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office investigators have been aware of several threats Kevin Colgan has made against Sarah Colgan.

On Wednesday June 18, 2014, Kevin Colgan met with an undercover investigator and discussed wanting his wife, Sarah Colgan, murdered. During this meeting Kevin Colgan advised the investigator he would pay him to kill her.

On Thursday morning June 19, the two met again in Bedford County. Kevin Colgan drove the investigator by Sarah Cogan’s home at 5713 East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike. At 10:10 a.m., Thursday morning Bedford County Sheriff’s investigators arrested Kevin Cogan, age 61, 357 Salem Ave. S.W. Roanoke, Va. and charged with him with solicitation to commit murder of Sarah Colgan. He was transported to the Bedford Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond.

Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown credits the arrest in this case to the combined efforts of the Roanoke Police Department, Salem Police Department, Roanoke County Police Department, Vinton Police Department, Bedford Police Department and the Virginia State Police.

 

Filed Under: 2014, Arrests, Press Release

Two Men Rescued from Possible Drowning by Local Police Officers

May 20, 2014 by

aboutus

PRESS RELEASE
MAY 20, 2014

At 3:37 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2014, Bedford County 911 dispatchers received a call from a Maurene Rosko at 1642 Krantzs Corner Road. She reported that her husband, Constantine Rosko age 83, and son, Curt Rosko age 54, were in a jon boat, on their private pond, attempting to remove an aerator pump when their boat capsized.  She said both men were in the water, holding on to the boat, and that her husband couldn’t swim. She also stated the water was approximately 8 to 9 feet deep.  Dispatchers broadcasted the call for distress and at 3:43 p.m. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Conservation Police Officer Dallas Neel arrived on the scene, followed by Bedford County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Shull at 3:44 p.m.  Officer Neel attempted to throw a lifesaving device to them, but after unsuccessful attempts, both he and Deputy Shull removed their shirts and duty belts, and went in to the pond.  They were able to swim to the subjects and successfully brought both men back to shore.  Bedford County Sheriff’s Office Major Ricky Gardner and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Captain Tony Fisher both agree that had these two officers not reacted as quickly as they did and put their training into action, the outcome may have been tragically different.

Bedford County Rescue Units arrived on the scene and examined both men who were tired and cold.  Neither men required additional treatment, and were not transported to the hospital.

 

Agency Contacts:

Bedford County Sheriff’s Department – Major Ricky Gardner via the contact form on this website or see PDF for email address.
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries – Lieutenant Chris Thomas 434-525-7522

Download the PDF Press Release

Filed Under: 2014, News, Press Release

BCSO Needs Information Regarding Burglaries of Storage Units

May 8, 2014 by

aboutus

PRESS RELEASE
MAY 8, 2014

Bedford County Sheriff’s investigators are investigating numerous burglaries of storage units that have occurred since January 2014.  Suspect(s) are gaining entry into a single unit and are then able to access adjoining units. After gaining entrance, suspect(s) are stealing various items (jewelry, silverware, dinnerware, etc.). Storage units located in Moneta, Thaxton, New London and Forest have all been victimized.

 Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office 540-586-7699, use our anonymous web crime tip form or contact Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900. Crime Stoppers callers remain anonymous and could receive cash reward at to $1,000.00 for information that solves the crimes.

 

Download the PDF Press Release

Filed Under: 2014, Alerts, Citizen Information, Press Release

Woman Charged with First Degree Murder of 2 Year Old Child

February 28, 2014 by

PRESS RELEASE
FEBRUARY 28, 2014

On Thursday afternoon at 1:35 p.m., Bedford County 911 dispatchers received a call from 1066 Peaksview Lane, Bedford, Va. The caller advised dispatchers that his 2 year son was unresponsive and not breathing. Bedford County Fire and Rescue units along with Bedford County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene. Resuscitation efforts were started at the scene and the child was transported to Bedford County Memorial Hospital, where it was pronounced dead. The victim’s body was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke and an autopsy was performed this morning.

JORDON SMITH

JORDON SMITH

Investigators learned that Michael Smith, the father, Shana Witt, the mother, and two children, one 5 years old and the victim resided at the Peaksview Lane residence. The five year old was with a relative and not at the residence when the incident occurred. Michael and Shana are married.

SHANA WITT

SHANA WITT

MICHEAL SMITH

MICHEAL SMITH

Last night, Bedford County Sheriff’s investigators charged Shana Marie Witt, age 24, the mother, with first degree murder of the child. The father, Michael Smith, age 25, was also arrested and charged with two counts of felony child abuse and neglect and one count of manufacturing methamphetamines. Both are being held in the Bedford Adult Detention Center on no bond.

Filed Under: 2014, Arrests, Press Release

Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (R.S.V.P.) Program Appreciation Dinner Held

January 16, 2014 by

PRESS RELEASE
R.S.V.P. PROGRAM
JANUARY 16, 2014

RSVP Dinner Picture

On Wednesday January 15, 2014, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) Program Appreciation Dinner. Sheriff Mike Brown started the RSVP program in May 2001 with six volunteers. Two of the six charter members, Chuck Neudorfer and Charlie Walker are still very active members. Currently the program has 19 active members. The program unitizes retired persons in assisting deputies with non-emergency tasks.
In 2013, the volunteers donated a total of 4250 hours, which saved Bedford County tax payers over $72,000. They drove 51,201 miles performing their duties. Last year, RSVP volunteers assisted with 803 department errands, assisted with 56 funerals, assisted 85citizens with locked vehicles, performed 370 house checks, 626 school checks and delivered 76 meeting packets to members of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors. The RSVP volunteers also visit persons who participate with the Project Life Saver Program making sure the batteries in their equipment are in good working order.
Sheriff Brown is very proud and appreciative to each volunteer for their tireless devoted service to the citizens of Bedford County.

Download the PDF Press Release

Filed Under: 2014, Citizen Information, Press Release, R.S.V.P.

Bedford County Sheriff’s Office Drug Blitz 2013

December 19, 2013 by

aboutus

PRESS RELEASE
DECEMBER 19, 2013

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office has made numerous arrests in the illegal activity of narcotics distribution in the past twelve months.   These arrests have been far reaching into the criminal enterprise of illegal narcotics, burglary and thefts within the county.

In 2013, VICE/Narcotics Investigators, along with Criminal Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office began perfecting cases in relation to illegal narcotics activities within the county, and quickly identified numerous individuals tied together in this criminal enterprise. During the weekend beginning on Friday December 13, 2013 deputies, along with Virginia State Police agents, engaged in a round-up of several of these individuals, resulting in the arrest of seventeen people.  Included are these individuals in relation to narcotics offenses:

Howell, Bryan E. Mason, Samuel L Mason, Wanda G.
Bryan Eugene Howell
 Samuel Levi Mason
 Wanda Gail Mason
2 counts Distribution of Methamphetamine
 1 count Possession of Methamphetamine 1 count Possession of Methamphetamine
1 count Manufacture Methamphetamine 1 count of Manufacture Methamphetamine
 1 count of Manufacture Methamphetamine
Fitzgerald, Patrick K. Begley, Cassie L. Hodges, Quen B.
Patrick Kelly Fitzgerald
 Cassie Lawhorne Begley
 Quen Barrett Hodges
2 counts Distribution of Marijuana
 2 counts Distribution of Schedule III Narcotic
 2 counts Distribution of Schedule II Narcotic
1 count of Distribution of Schedule IV Narcotic
Staples, Frederick J. Woodruff, Ian C. Willis, Nathan A.
Frederick Jaral Staples
 Ian Woodruff
 Nathan Willis
3 counts Distribution of Crack Cocaine
 1 count Distribution of Cocaine
 2 counts Distribution of Schedule II Narcotic

Updike, Jeffrey D. Maner, Dustin P. Pollard, Kenneth Wayne
Jeffrey Daniel Updike
 Dustin Paul Maner
 Kenneth Wayne Pollard, Jr.
1 count Distribution of Crack Cocaine
 1 count Possession of Marijuana
 1 count Possession of Marijuana

Campbell, Coty D. Maddox, John David Seager, Sydney0001 copy
Cody D. Campbell
 John David Maddox
 Sydney L. Seager
1 count Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic
 1 count Distribution of Marijuana
 1 count Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana
 1 count of Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana 1 count Possession of Cocaine
Elliott, Forest E.
Forrest E. Elliot
 1 count of Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana

The following individuals are still WANTED on outstanding warrants:

damienanderson-captured Burley, Eric Eugene. Puckette, Sidney A.0001
Damien Laniear Anderson
 Eric Eugene Burley
 Sidney Puckette
1 count Distribution of Cocaine
 1 count Distribution of Cocaine
 1 count Possession of Marijuana
 KNOWN GANG MEMBER NO PICTURE AVAILABLE

As well as these individuals, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office has perfected 39 additional narcotics cases in 2013 and there are pending charges against unnamed subjects.

Also in early 2013, Investigators began perfecting cases on a Burglary ring.  Numerous interviews were conducted and some of the stolen property was recovered by investigators  and returned to the rightful owners. It was determined that all the crimes committed were done in order to obtain funds for heroin. The following is a list of crimes and suspects which centered around the south side of the county:

1/15/2013 – Burglary in the 1300 block of Walnut Shell Road Vinton, Va.Jason Tyler Hall has been charged with 1 count Burglary, 1count Grand Larceny, and 1 count Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon

8/20/2013 -Burglary of 1500 block of Walnut Shell Road Vinton, Va. Jason Tyler Hall and Brandon Bowden have each been charged with 1 count Burglary, 1 count Grand Larceny, 1 count of Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
8/20/2013 – Burglary of 1300 block of Walnut Shell Road Vinton, Va. Jason Tyler Hall and Brandon Bowden have each been charged with 1 count Burglary and 1 count of Grand Larceny
9/23/2013 – Larceny of credit card at 100 block of Big Bear Run Vinton, Va. Jason Tyler Hall and Leigha Bragg Hall were each charged with 1 count Larceny of Credit Card and 4 counts of Credit Card Fraud.
Between 9/25/2013 and 10/1/2013 – Grand Larceny from 100 block of Big Bear Run Vinton, Va. Jason Tyler Hall and Leigha Bragg Hall were each charged with Grand Larceny of jewelry totaling over $10,000.00.

9/26/2013 – Burglary of 1600 block of Halesford Road Moneta, Va. Jason Tyler Hall, Leigha Bragg Hall, and a juvenile suspect have each been charged with Burglary and Grand Larceny. In addition, Jason Tyler Hall was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

 

Hall, Jason Tyler Hall, Leigha Bragg Bowden, Brandon Bernard
Jason Tyler Hall
 Leigha Bragg Hall
 Brandon Bowden
4 counts Burglary
 1 count Burglary
 5 counts Grand Larceny  2 counts Grand Larceny   2 counts Burglary
 1 count Larceny of a Credit Card  1 count of Larceny of a Credit Card  2 counts Grand Larceny
 4 counts Credit Card Fraud  4 counts of Credit Card Fraud  1 count Possession of a Firearm by Felon
 4 counts Possession of a Firearm by Felon

A Juvenile has also been charged with B&E and Grand Larceny.

Additionally, there are still pending charges that may be filed in relation to all of these incidents.

If you have information on crimes in the County of Bedford please contact the Sheriff’s  Office at 540-586-4800.

Download the PDF Press Release

Find Us On Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Filed Under: 2013, Arrests, Press Release

Sheriff Mike Brown To Hold Press Conference 2:00pm on Thursday, December 19, 2013.

December 18, 2013 by

aboutus

PRESS RELEASE
DECEMBER 18, 2013

Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown will hold a press conference at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday December 19, 2013. At that time, he will announce numerous arrests in the illegal activity of narcotics distribution in the past twelve months. These arrests have been far reaching into the criminal enterprise of illegal narcotics, burglaries and thefts within Bedford County. The conference will be held in the Emergency Operations Center, located in the lower level of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office 1345 Falling Creek Road, Bedford, Virginia.

There will be no further information released prior to the 2:00 p.m. press conference.

Download the PDF Press Release

Find Us On Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Filed Under: 2013, Press Release

Bedford County Sheriff’s Office Receives Re-accreditation From VLEPSC

December 9, 2013 by

VLEPSeal

PRESS RELEASE
DECEMBER 9, 2013

On October 17, 2013, the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission held its fall conference at the Holiday Inn Select in Lynchburg. The commission awarded the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office its re-accreditation certificate. The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office received its initial accreditation in 1999. The process of accreditation takes place every four years.

On Monday afternoon September 30, 2013, a three person team of assessors arrived at the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. The assessors are law enforcement accreditation managers representing the Martinsville Police Department, City of Danville Sheriff’s Office and the City of Norfolk Sheriff’s Office. The team first performed a walk-thru inspection of the Bedford County Courthouse. The team then inspected a static display of a deputy sheriff’s patrol vehicle, animal control vehicle, K-9 deputy’s patrol vehicle, A.T.V.s, lake patrol boat and other specialty equipment and weapons. Also on Monday evening, one member of the team conducted a ride-along with a deputy for several hours.

On Tuesday morning, the assessment team conducted a walk-thru inspection of the Sheriff’s Office including the administrative offices, recordkeeping practices, the communication center, evidence rooms, file security and over-all security of the complex. After completing the walk-thru inspection, the team began examining files containing the 187 standards as promulgated under the process for the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.

On Wednesday morning the team returned to the sheriff’s office and completed the file review process. At 1:30 p.m. the team conducted an exit interview. The team reported that they found the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office in 100% compliance.

Sheriff Brown acknowledges that without the dedicated and hard working men and women of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office this major accomplishment would never happen. Especially Sgt. Wendy Whorley, who is the offices Accreditation Manager.

On Monday December 9, 2013, Bedford Police Chief Jim Day, a Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission Board Member, will present the Re-Accreditation Certificate to Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown at 7:30 p.m. during the Bedford County Board of Supervisor’s Meeting

Download the PDF Press Release

 

Find Us On Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Filed Under: 2013, Press Release