Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office

08/28/2026

*** SCAM ALERT - JURY DUTY PHONE SCAM ***

The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam currently circulating involving missed jury duty.

Scammers are calling residents and claiming to be law enforcement officers, telling them they failed to appear for jury duty and that there is an active warrant for their arrest. The scammers may then demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or resolve the alleged warrant.

IMPORTANT: Scammers are using caller ID spoofing technology to make the call appear as though it is coming from the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office phone number. Even if your caller ID displays the Sheriff’s Office number, the call may still be fraudulent.

Please remember that the Sheriff’s Office will NOT demand payment over the phone to avoid arrest, we will NOT ask you to purchase gift cards, send cryptocurrency, use a Bitcoin ATM, or transfer money to resolve a warrant. DO NOT provide your Social Security number, date of birth, banking information, or other personal information to an unsolicited caller and DO NOT allow the caller to pressure or intimidate you into making an immediate decision.

08/27/2026

On August 19, 2026 the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations received a report of a crime against a child. Through an intensive investigation it was found that a resident of College Park, Maryland had engaged in solicitating a minor who resides in Westmoreland County through Facebook Messenger and text message.

The male was identified to be Mark Steven Hoffman. After multiple search warrants were executed, it was found that Mr. Hoffman was also in possession of Child Po*******hy.

On August 27, 2026, with arrest warrants obtained, Sheriff's Office Detectives went to College Park Maryland to meet with the Maryland State Police in attempt to apprehend Mr. Hoffman. At approximately 1000 hours, he was taken into custody by Maryland State Police without incident.

Hoffman is currently incarcerated and awaiting extradition to Virginia, with the following charges
Hoffman has been charged with:
2 counts of (Possession of Child Po*******hy)
4 counts of (Use a communications system or another electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent)

08/22/2026

08/21/2026

There is no excuse for impaired driving. It is a risk that should not be taken.
• Driving under the influence of an impairing substance puts everyone on the road in danger, including the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles.
• Virginia has a zero-tolerance law for individuals under the age of 21
• The average DUI is estimated to cost $10,000 in attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.
• First-time DUI offenders will lose their driver’s license for one year.
• A driver convicted of DUI can face higher penalties depending on their BAC level.
• DUI charges can range from misdemeanors to felony offenses.
• If an individual is convicted of DUI, penalties can include driver’s license revocation, fines, jail time, and installation of an ignition interlock device.

08/19/2026

There’s never an excuse to drive impaired. If you’ve been drinking or using substances that affect your ability to drive, make the responsible choice don’t get behind the wheel.
Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, call a friend or family member, or use a safe ride option. One good decision could save your life or someone else’s.

08/18/2026

We are excited to share our National Night Out 2026 video!

National Night Out is a special opportunity for law enforcement and our community to come together, build relationships, and celebrate the wonderful community we are proud to serve.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, participated, and helped make this year’s National Night Out such a tremendous success! Your continued support means so much to the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office.

08/17/2026

Worship Watch Meeting Announcement

The Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office Worship Watch will hold its next meeting on:

Thursday, September 17, 2026
6:00 PM

We look forward to bringing our churches, faith leaders, and community partners together for another great evening focused on church safety, crime prevention, and strengthening our partnership with law enforcement.

The meeting will be held at:
Oak Grove Baptist Church
8096 Leedstown Road
Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Mark your calendars and plan to join us on September 17th at 6:00 PM!

08/17/2026

SUNDAY NIGHT — IT’S TIME FOR THE 9PM LOCK IT UP ROUTINE!

As the weekend comes to an end, take a few minutes tonight to help protect your home, family, and belongings.

08/16/2026

Saturday night is here! Before you relax for the evening, take a few minutes to complete your 9PM Lock It Up Routine:

08/15/2026

Friday night is here! Before you settle in for the evening, take a few minutes to complete your 9PM Lock It Up Routine:

Lock your doors, Lock your vehicles, Take your keys inside, Turn on exterior lights, Secure your valuables and Check your windows and garage

Don’t make it easy for a criminal. 9PM is the time to make security a routine!