Lunenburg County Sheriff's Office

08/31/2026

LUNENBURG COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE

School Social Media Threat – Ongoing Investigation

The Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a threat made through social media involving a local school.

As a result of the investigation, one individual is currently in custody. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available and as appropriate.

The Sheriff’s Office takes all threats involving our schools seriously. We are working closely with school officials and other appropriate agencies to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff.

At this time, we ask the public to avoid spreading unverified information or rumors on social media. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

The safety of our schools and our community remains our highest priority.

Arthur Townsend Jr., Sheriff
Lunenburg County Sheriffs Office

08/30/2026

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Steve Draper. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the members of his sheriff’s office during this difficult time.

Sheriff Draper dedicated his life to serving his community and the Commonwealth of Virginia. His commitment to law enforcement and his fellow sheriffs will not be forgotten.

May God comfort his family and loved ones, and may they find strength in the many lives he touched through his years of service.

Rest in peace, Sheriff Draper. Your service and dedication will be remembered.

Sheriff Arthur Townsend Jr.
Lunenburg County Sheriff

08/07/2026

The Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office and the family, friends, and loved ones of Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic loss.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

Rest easy, Deputy Duvall III. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

08/02/2026

07/24/2026

🚨 Community Awareness – Suspicious Activity

The Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office is aware of reports of a suspicious individual in the Red Level Road/Oral Oaks area.

The individual reportedly went to a residence asking to charge a cell phone. The homeowner did not allow the person inside, and the individual reportedly left the area in a white SUV. We have also seen similar reports being shared on social media.

At this time, we encourage residents to remain alert, keep doors locked, and avoid allowing unknown individuals into their homes. If you have security camera footage or witness any suspicious activity, please contact the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger or observe suspicious activity in progress, call 911.

We appreciate the community’s assistance and will continue to follow up on any information we receive.

07/08/2026

🎓🚔 Congratulations to Our Newest Deputy Sheriffs! 🚔🎓

The Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office is proud to congratulate Deputy Johnny Bailey and Deputy Brenda Tomas Perez on their graduation from the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy.

Over the past several months, Deputy Bailey and Deputy Tomas Perez successfully completed rigorous training in Virginia law, criminal investigations, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, fi****ms, crisis intervention, physical fitness, and many other essential aspects of law enforcement. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment have prepared them to proudly serve the citizens of Lunenburg County.

Sheriff Arthur Townsend, Jr. stated, “We are extremely proud of Deputy Bailey and Deputy Tomas Perez for this outstanding accomplishment. Graduating from the academy is a significant milestone and a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving others. We are excited to welcome them to the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office and know they will serve our community with honor, integrity, and professionalism.”

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Johnny Bailey and Deputy Brenda Tomas Perez as they begin their law enforcement careers serving the citizens of Lunenburg County. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the instructors and staff of the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy for their commitment to training the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Pictured from left to right: Major D.J. Penland, Deputy Brenda Tomas Perez, Deputy Johnny Bailey, and Sheriff Arthur Townsend, Jr.

Congratulations, Deputies Bailey and Tomas Perez! Welcome to the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office family! 💙🖤

07/02/2026

LUNENBURG HEAT ADVISORY - EXCESSIVE HEAT - ON-CALL COOLING CENTERS

According to the National Weather Service, Virginia is expecting a prolonged and widespread heatwave from Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5 — with the hottest conditions expected Friday through Saturday. Heat index values are expected to climb between 105 and 110 across our area. 🥵

On hot days, Virginians can prevent illness by staying cool indoors.
Virginians should follow VDH recommendations to stay safe amid high heat and humidity:

💧💧Drink water: Stay hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine or large amounts of sugar, which dehydrate the body.

👚Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

🏃🏽Limit physical activity: Avoid excessive physical exertion, especially in the middle of the day.

🍼🐾Do not keep children or pets in cars: Temperatures inside a car can reach more 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.

🏡Check on your neighbors: Although anyone can suffer heat-related illness, people aged 65 or older are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses and complications that can result during periods of high temperatures and humidity.

🆒Cooling Center(s) Available by Request During Extreme Heat:

To help protect residents during periods of extreme heat, Lunenburg County is offering an on-call cooling center for individuals who need relief from high temperatures.

The cooling center can be available on request Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Residents requiring access to the cooling center should contact Lunenburg County Dispatch Center at 434-696-4452 to request support. Staff will coordinate access with the Emergency Management Coordinator and provide location information as needed.

🆘This emergency sheltering service is intended for residents who may not have adequate cooling in their homes and are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness, including older adults, individuals with medical conditions, young children, and those without reliable air conditioning.

For additional information or to request access to the cooling center, please contact Lunenburg County Dispatch Center at 434-696-4452.

Lunenburg County Emergency Management remains committed to the health and safety of our community.

Be safe, and we hope you have a wonderful 250th Independence Day!

06/02/2026

🦌 Hunter-Landowner Meeting – July 29, 2026 🦌

The Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office encourages hunters, landowners, and community members to attend the upcoming Lunenburg County Hunter-Landowner Meeting hosted by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

This meeting is designed to bring together hunters, private landowners, law enforcement, and other community stakeholders to discuss local concerns, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and explore solutions that benefit everyone in our community. Discussion will also include the potential establishment of a local Hunter-Landowner Committee in Lunenburg County.

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Lunenburg General District Court
160 Courthouse Square
Lunenburg, VA 23952

Whether you are a hunter, property owner, or simply interested in promoting positive partnerships within our community, we encourage you to attend and participate in this important discussion.

For additional information, please visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.

05/31/2026

The admin lines are back up.

The Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office administrative phone lines are currently down.

911 emergency lines remain fully operational.