Richmond County Sheriff's Office - N.C.

08/14/2026

🚨PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT | FRAUD & SCAM ALERT🚨

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind our citizens to remain vigilant regarding fraudulent communications from individuals falsely claiming to represent law enforcement or other government agencies.

Please remember: If someone contacts you claiming that you or a loved one has an outstanding warrant and demands money to prevent an arrest, DO NOT SEND PAYMENT OR FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS.

Legitimate law enforcement and government agencies will not demand payment in cryptocurrency or instruct you to transfer money, purchase gift cards, or make other unusual forms of payment to resolve an arrest warrant. Likewise, legitimate law enforcement officers will not provide instructions or directives that circumvent established legal procedures.

Scammers may use official-looking documents, law enforcement terminology, names of actual officers or agencies, telephone numbers, or other information to make their demands appear legitimate.

If you or a loved one receives documents, letters, electronic communications, or other materials similar to the examples pictured with this post, please treat them as potentially fraudulent. Do not send money, provide personal or financial information, click unfamiliar links, or comply with payment instructions.

When in doubt, stop communicating with the individual and independently contact your local law enforcement agency using a verified telephone number. Do not rely solely on contact information provided by the person or contained within the suspicious communication.

Scammers often rely on fear and a sense of urgency to pressure people into acting before they have an opportunity to verify what they are being told. If something does not seem right, do not send money or provide personal information. Contact us or your local law enforcement agency and allow us to help you determine whether the communication is legitimate. — Sheriff Mark Gulledge

08/13/2026

RCSO INVESTIGATORS PARTICIPATE IN “SCAM JAM”

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize Detectives Paul McDole and Destiny David for their participation in the recent “Scam Jam” program held at the Hamlet Senior Center.

During the event, Detectives McDole and David provided an informative presentation to our local seniors, educating them about various scams and fraudulent schemes that frequently target older adults. They also shared valuable information on recognizing warning signs and protecting personal and financial information from those seeking to take advantage of members of our community.

“Educating our citizens is an important part of preventing crime. I appreciate Detectives McDole and David for taking the time to provide our seniors with information that can help them recognize scams before they become victims.” — Sheriff Mark Gulledge

We appreciate the Hamlet Senior Center and everyone involved with Scam Jam for providing an opportunity to bring law enforcement and our senior community together for education, awareness, and prevention.

Stay informed. Stay alert. Protect yourself and those you love.

08/08/2026

Tonight @ 6 PM. See you guys soon!!!!

08/07/2026

Richmond County Sheriff's Office Arrests Rockingham Man Following Breaking and Entering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, August 7, 2026

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Sheriff Mark Gulledge reports that Ricardo Abdul Rush, 28, of Rockingham, has been arrested and charged with one count each of Felony Breaking and/or Entering, Felony Larceny After Breaking and/or Entering, Misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On the afternoon of August 6, 2026, deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a breaking and/or entering in progress in the area of Aleo Ninth Avenue in Rockingham. After receiving a description of the suspect, deputies and investigators who were in the vicinity quickly located an individual matching that description.

As law enforcement officers approached the suspect, he fled on foot, resulting in a brief foot pursuit. The suspect, later identified as Ricardo Abdul Rush, was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.

Following the investigation, Rush was formally charged with the above-listed offenses. He was brought before a Richmond County Magistrate, where he received a $25,000.00 secured bond and was committed to the Richmond County Jail pending trial.

"I commend our Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Division for their swift response and teamwork in quickly identifying and apprehending the suspect." — Sheriff Mark Gulledge

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office reminds the public that the terms of bond and conditions of pretrial release are determined by judicial officials, including magistrates and judges, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 15A-532.

These determinations are made after consideration of the factors prescribed by law. Additionally, all persons charged with a criminal offense are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/06/2026

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize Richmond County native Cheyenne McDonald, who interned with our agency this summer.

Cheyenne devoted much of her internship to assisting with and learning procedures related to the collection, preservation, and management of property and evidence. She also gained valuable experience by spending time with several other divisions and specialized units throughout the Sheriff’s Office.

Cheyenne is a soon-to-be graduate of Western Carolina University, where she is majoring in Forensic Science with a concentration in Biology and minoring in both Criminal Justice and Forensic Anthropology.

Cheyenne has been an absolute delight to have around, and although we are sad to see her go, we wish her tremendous success in her future endeavors. We hope the knowledge and experience she gained with our agency will serve her well throughout her career.

Cheyenne, thank you for spending your summer with us. Your future is looking bright—and that conclusion is fully supported by the evidence! 🧬🔍

08/06/2026

08/05/2026

Today we remember a lifelong Leader. One who made a difference and touched so many lives. He gave his heart and soul to this Office and will never be forgotten by the men and women who carry on his legacy.

Sheriff Mark B Gulledge

07/31/2026

Richmond County Sheriff's Office Announces the Retirement of Lieutenant Kevin Tuttle

Sheriff Mark Gulledge and the members of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office proudly congratulate Lieutenant Kevin Tuttle on his retirement following a distinguished career dedicated to serving the citizens of Richmond County.

Throughout his many years of service, Lieutenant Tuttle faithfully served in numerous assignments within the Sheriff's Office, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. His career included significant contributions within the Criminal Investigations Division, where he played a vital role in investigating serious criminal offenses and mentoring fellow investigators.

Lieutenant Tuttle also served with distinction as a Task Force Officer assigned to the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF), where he worked alongside federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and enhance public safety throughout the region. His leadership, investigative expertise, and dedication to collaborative law enforcement efforts have left a lasting impact on both this agency and the communities he served.

"Lieutenant Tuttle has exemplified what it means to serve with honor and professionalism," said Sheriff Mark Gulledge. "His dedication to the people of Richmond County and his commitment to protecting our community have been invaluable. We are grateful for his years of faithful service and wish him and his family nothing but happiness and success as they begin this new chapter."

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere appreciation to Lieutenant Kevin Tuttle for his many years of dedicated service. His contributions, leadership, and legacy will not be forgotten, and he will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Congratulations, Lieutenant Tuttle, on a remarkable career.

07/29/2026

***Richmond County Sheriff's Office Arrests Rockingham Man on Multiple Felony Property Crime Charges***

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Rockingham, NC — Sheriff Mark Gulledge reports that deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded to a call for service in the Chalk Road area of Rockingham after a homeowner observed an individual on residential security cameras unlawfully entering a carport storage room and removing several items of personal property.

Responding deputies quickly arrived in the area and encountered the suspect, later identified as David Lee Duncan, 39, of Rockingham, who fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, deputies successfully apprehended Duncan without further incident. During the course of the investigation, deputies developed additional information indicating that Duncan had unlawfully broken or entered another residence in the area and stolen property from that location as well.

As a result of the investigation, Duncan was arrested and charged with:
Two counts of Felony Breaking or Entering
Two counts of Felony Larceny After Breaking or Entering

Following his arrest, Duncan was taken before a Richmond County Magistrate, where he was issued a $10,000 secured bond. He was subsequently confined to the Richmond County Jail pending trial.

"I commend our Patrol Division for their quick response and determination in locating and apprehending the suspect," said Sheriff Mark Gulledge. "Their swift actions, coupled with the thorough work of our detectives during the investigation, allowed us to connect this individual to multiple crimes and provide accountability for the victims involved."

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office reminds the public that the terms of bond and conditions of release are determined by judicial officials, such as judges or magistrates, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 15A-532. These decisions are made after careful consideration of the factors established by law. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office further reminds the public that all persons charged with a criminal offense are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.