Investigations
Crimes against Persons and Property
Investigators: Harry Clingenpeel, Sandra Ingram, Jay Mason, Gary Shively,Justin Sigmon, Tim Taylor, Rick Toney, and Brian Webb.
The Sheriff's Office's investigators duties include: processing of crime scenses, interviewing suspects and witnesses in various cases, the gathering of evidence and information, the arrest and or assist of the arrest of suspected individuals, trial preparation and trial testimony.
The Investigation Division works closely with uniform personnel, the Commonwealth Attonrney's Office and various other agencies to provide the best possible resolution to the victims' of various crimes. In addition, Investigators receive new and remedial training that is required in order to remain abreast of the constantly changing trends in criminal activity.
Computer Crimes
Our Sheriff's Office is a member of the
ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task force. We conduct presentations to make the community aware of the dangers of the internet. A large number of crimes that occur by computer happen outside of the jurisdiction of Franklin County, therefore can not be prosecuted by our department.
Special Crimes
Our office investigates sex crimes against adults and children. These crimes can be committed by adults or juveniles. Examples of these crimes are rape, child abuse and neglect. Because of the victims' special needs, forensic interviews are conducted at the new
CAC building.
Polygraph Exam
Our office conducts polygraphs for the Sheriff's Office and for other juridictions. This is a tool used in investigations to verify or eliminate possible suspects, and locate property.
Fraud
Our office investigates most of the fraud cases. In criminal law, fraud is an intentional misrepresentation or concealment of information in order to deceive. Fraud has also been called “theft by deception”. IT IS ILLEGAL!
Fraud may be committed through many methods including mail, wire, phone, and internet. Examples of these could be worthless checks, forgery/uttering, credit card fraud, general internet scams, and identity thefts. Internet crime schemes steal millions of dollars yearly from victims through various internet methods. Remember the following tips to help prevent you from being a victim of fraud. Be cautious of unsolicited offers.
Before accepting a cashier’s check, inspect it for alterations. Contact the financial institution on which the check was drawn to insure legitimacy. Obtain the banks phone number from a reliable source, not the number on the check. Never deposit a check in your account and wire or forward the funds prior to the bank confirming the authenticity of the check.
When using a credit card, do research to ensure the legitimacy of the individual or company. The
Better Business Bureau can assist with this.
If purchasing online, ensure a site is secure and reputable before providing a credit card number.
Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited emails.
Never give your credit card number over the telephone unless YOU make the call.
Never throw away credit card or banking statements in a usable form. Always shred before discarding.
If you receive a call or other notification of lottery or sweepstakes winnings, be wary of demands to send money to be eligible for future winnings. Beware of lotteries that charge a fee prior to delivery of your prize. Be leery if you do not remember entering a lottery or sweepstakes.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Do not believe the promise of large sums of money in exchange for your cooperation. Do not reply to calls or emails asking for personal information. Always beware of dealing with individuals outside of your own country. Review a copy of your credit report at least yearly; Free on the internet, phone or mail.
