Tazewell County Victim Witness Assistance Program

05/05/2026

05/01/2026

SCAM ALERT: If you received a text or email, this is a scam.

04/15/2026

04/08/2026

Another scam hitting our phones today! Please ignore these text messages. Do not fall victim to the weekly scams that we see being sent to everyone’s cell phones and emails. 

03/30/2026

**UPDATE 3/ 30/ 2026 .FEMALE HAS BEEN LOCATED, AND IS SAFE! THANK EVERYONE FOR THERE ASSISTANCE!****************🚨 MISSING PERSON 🚨**

**Name:** Linda Gail Elswick
**Date of Birth:** 02/13/1950
**Age:** 76

**Physical Description:**

* Height: 5’03”
* Weight: 160 lbs
* Hair: White
* Eyes: Blue

**Last Known Location:**
Linda Gail Elswick was last seen in the Cedar Bluff, Virginia area.

**Vehicle Information:**

* Gold 2011 Cadillac SUV
* Virginia License Plate: VLR-9810

**If You Have Information:**
Please contact **Lt. Scottie Whited**

Russell County Sheriff’s Office
📞 276-889-8033

**Any information, no matter how small, may help. Please share this flyer.**

03/30/2026

SENIOR ALERT CANCELLATION

***SUBJECT LOCATED SAFE***

THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE HAS ISSUED A SENIOR ALERT ON BEHALF OF THE RUSSELL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ON MARCH, 30 2026 AT 1230 HOURS.

THE RUSSELL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS LOOKING FOR LINDA GAIL, RACE: WHITE, S*X: FEMALE, AGE: 76 YEARS OLD, HEIGHT: 5'3", WEIGHT: 160 lbs., WITH BLUE EYES, AND WHITE HAIR. SHE WAS LAST SEEN ON MARCH 29, 2026, AT 1300 HOURS AT THE CORNERSTONE TABERNACLE ON OLD KENTUCKY TURNPIKE IN CEDAR BLUFF. SHE IS WEARING AN UNKNOWN DESCRIPTION OF CLOTHING. SHE IS POSSIBLY DRIVING A BROWN 2011 CADILLAC SRX WITH VA PLATES: VLR9810.

THE MISSING SENIOR SUFFERS FROM A COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND THE DISAPPEARANCE POSES A CREDIBLE THREAT TO THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY AS DETERMINED BY THE INVESTIGATING AGENCY.

PLEASE CONTACT THE RUSSELL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE [24/7 DISPATCH] WITH ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR WHEREABOUTS AT (276) 889-8033, OR YOU MAY FIND COMPLETE INFORMATION AT THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE WEBSITE - https://alerts.vsp.virginia.gov

03/27/2026

THE COMMUNITY SPOKE and we listened!!

TAZEWELL COUNTY COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY’S IMPLEMENTS “SENIOR SHIELD TASK FORCE”

Chris Plaster, Commonwealth’s Attorney, is proud to announce that the Tazewell County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has created and is launching a Senior Shield Task Force. This task force is a collaborative initiative dedicated to protecting the county’s senior citizens from abuse, neglect, fraud, and exploitation.

The Senior Shield Task Force brings together key agencies and community partners to proactively address crimes and concerns affecting older adults. By strengthening coordination among law enforcement, social services, healthcare providers, and community organizations, the Task Force aims to ensure that Tazewell County’s senior population is safeguarded with vigilance, dignity, and respect.

“The citizens who built this community deserve to live their later years in safety and security,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Plaster. “The Senior Shield Task Force reflects our commitment to stand as a united front against those who would take advantage of our seniors, while also providing the resources and support they need.”

The Task Force includes representatives from: The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement agencies, healthcare and mental health professionals, Victim Witness Assistance Program, and community and advocacy organizations

The initiative will focus on:
- Investigating and prosecuting elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation
- Increasing public awareness and education
- Enhancing reporting mechanisms for suspected abuse
- Coordinating services for victims and their families
Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected abuse or exploitation of seniors. By working together, Tazewell County can ensure that its elderly citizens are protected and valued.

Please follow the Senior Shield Task Force’s page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576429344830

03/15/2026

New Support Group for Survivors of Domestic Violence...Use the QR code below to register. Space is limited. Staff will contact you to complete your registration & answer questions. Join us in a safe, supportive space as we learn & heal together!

01/26/2026

01/09/2026

Today we proudly wear blue in support of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The Tazewell County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office thanks the dedicated men and women who serve and protect our communities every day. Your commitment, courage, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. It is an honor to work along side each of you every day.