Amherst County Sheriff's Office

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

08/31/2026

Sheriff Steve Draper dedicated more than five decades of his life to public service. Beginning his law enforcement career in 1973, he went on to be elected Sheriff of Martinsville City in 1993 and began his tenure in 1994. For more than 30 years as Sheriff, and more than 50 years in law enforcement, Sheriff Draper served as a steadfast leader and dedicated public servant. His tenure made him the longest-serving Sheriff in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a remarkable testament to his commitment to the people and community he served. Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the family of Sheriff Steve Draper, his friends, colleagues, and the entire Martinsville City Sheriff's Office during this difficult time. His legacy of service will not be forgotten.

08/26/2026

The hours between 6 p.m. and midnight account for 34% of all speeding fatalities — more than a third of all speeding-related deaths in just a 6-hour window.

Less traffic at night isn't a green light to speed. Slow down, stay alert, and arrive safely.

08/21/2026

*****Can you identify this person*****

Earlier today, the Amherst County Sheriff's Office received a call for service for a skimmer device that was discovered on an ATM machine at the Quickie Gas Stop near La Caretta.

The person in the picture entered the store and placed the device on June 15, 2026. If you have used this ATM machine since then please notify your bank immediately.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Dep. Mann at the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office at 434-946-9300 or report by calling Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. An anonymous tip can also be made online using http://p3tips.com, by downloading the P3 app on any mobile device or by texting; Text CVCS to 738477 to receive a link to an anonymous tip form. Message frequency varies, and Message & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help and STOP to cancel, read P3 Terms and Privacy Policy. A cash reward of up to $1,000 may be available for tips that lead to an arrest in this crime.

08/17/2026

***THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO RESPONDED AND ASSISTED IN THIS INVESTIGATION, THE SUSPECT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AND ARRESTED***

***CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS PERSON?***
The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several larcenies that occurred on 8/16/26 from a local ABC Store. The individual recorded on video stole merchandise on two separate occasions on the same day.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Dep. Wisecup at the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office at 434-946-9300 or report by calling Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. An anonymous tip can also be made online using http://p3tips.com, by downloading the P3 app on any mobile device or by texting; Text CVCS to 738477 to receive a link to an anonymous tip form. Message frequency varies, and Message & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help and STOP to cancel, read P3 Terms and Privacy Policy. A cash reward of up to $1,000 may be available for tips that lead to an arrest in this crime.

08/14/2026

The Amherst County Sheriff's Office wants to remind residents about Amherst County Code, Chapter 9, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article VI – Inoperable, Abandoned, and Unattended Vehicles; Parking Violations.

This ordinance is designed to address vehicles that are inoperable, abandoned, unattended, illegally parked, or creating safety concerns throughout Amherst County. The ordinance recognizes that abandoned and inoperable vehicles can create fire hazards, interfere with emergency response, attract rodents and insects, become an attractive nuisance, and create other health and safety concerns.

Under the ordinance, an inoperable motor vehicle generally includes a vehicle that is not in operating condition, does not display valid license plates, or does not display a valid inspection decal.

Inoperable vehicles generally cannot be kept outside a fully enclosed building or otherwise shielded from view on property zoned or used for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes, with limited exceptions outlined in the ordinance.

The ordinance also addresses abandoned and unattended vehicles. Among other provisions, vehicles may be subject to removal when they are left unattended on public property, create a traffic hazard, are illegally parked, or remain unattended for specified periods of time.

The Amherst County Sheriff's Office will be enforcing the applicable provisions of Article VI. The ordinance specifically assigns the Sheriff responsibility for the administration and enforcement of Divisions 3 and 4, which include inoperable vehicles, abandoned/unattended vehicles, and parking provisions.

When an inoperable vehicle is found to be in violation, the ordinance provides a 10-calendar-day notice period for the owner to remove the vehicle or bring it into compliance. Failure to comply can result in removal and disposal of the vehicle, with applicable costs potentially charged to the vehicle or property owner.

Violations can also carry criminal or civil penalties, depending on the circumstances and enforcement action taken under the ordinance.

https://library.municode.com/va/amherst_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COCO_CH9MOVETR_ARTVIINABUNVEPAVI

08/13/2026

BACK TO SCHOOL 2026!!!