Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

⚠️ PUBLIC NOTICE ⚠️

Residents in the Little River area near SC Highway 34 may hear several loud explosions over the next few days. These noises are the result of planned blasting operations being conducted to remove beaver dams in the area.

The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office has been notified of the activity, and there is no cause for alarm. The blasting is being conducted as part of a controlled operation.

We wanted to make citizens aware in advance to prevent unnecessary concern or calls regarding the loud noises.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

06/12/2026

🚨 HELP US IDENTIFY THIS PERSON OF INTEREST 🚨

The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office continues seeking the public's assistance in identifying the individual shown in these photographs and video.

🔊🔊 TURN YOUR SOUND UP 🔊🔊
Listen to the video in case you know his voice.

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, investigators responded to a shooting that occurred on Interstate 77 Northbound near the Fairfield-Chester County line. During the investigation, investigators obtained surveillance video and photographs of an individual they believe may have information critical to this case.

The individual is described as a black male wearing:
• A white t-shirt
• Dark athletic pants with white side stripes
• White athletic shoes (Possible Asics)
• A dark-colored baseball cap with a light-colored brim and distinctive monogram-style logo (Possibly Amiri)

The individual was observed operating what appears to be a dark-colored Audi Q7 SUV displaying what could be a South Carolina license plate. Possibly a 2017-2018 model.

At this time, investigators are seeking to identify and speak with this individual regarding the incident. He is considered a person of interest only, and no criminal charges have been filed against him.

Someone knows who this individual is. Someone recognizes this vehicle. If you recognize the person pictured, the vehicle, the distinctive hat, or the voice heard in the accompanying video, please contact investigator's Barry Gilbert or Jerimiah McKissack at 803-635-4141 and reference Case Number 26-003006.

06/11/2026

The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office would like to extend our sincere appreciation to KJ’s Market #647 in Winnsboro for their generous donation of canned boiled peanuts for our deputies and staff.

Having non-perishable snacks available in our patrol vehicles can make a real difference. Whether it's helping someone who may be hungry and in need, or providing deputies with something to eat while working a lengthy call for service, these items are always appreciated and put to good use.

We are grateful for community partners like KJ’s Market #647 who continue to support the men and women who serve Fairfield County every day.

Pictured are KJ’s Market #647 managers Jermaine Stradford and Maria Moore during the donation presentation.

Thank you, KJ’s Market #647, for your generosity and your commitment to our community!
KJ's Market

06/11/2026

🚨 PROPERTY OWNERS: BE AWARE OF DEED FRAUD 🚨

Did you know that criminals are increasingly targeting vacant land, rental properties, and even family-owned property through a scheme known as **Property Owner Impersonation Fraud**?

In these cases, scammers pose as the legitimate property owner and attempt to sell real estate they do not own. By the time the true owner discovers what has happened, significant financial and legal complications may already exist.

The United States Secret Service has identified deed fraud and seller impersonation as a growing threat and has partnered with local law enforcement agencies to help educate property owners, real estate professionals, and closing attorneys about how to recognize and prevent these crimes.

✅ Protect Yourself:
• Sign up for property fraud alerts through your county Register of Deeds office if available.
• Monitor online real estate sites for unauthorized listings of your property.
• Let trusted neighbors know if your property is not for sale.
• Consider posting a "Not For Sale" sign on vacant property.
• Immediately investigate any unexpected calls from real estate agents, attorneys, or Register of Deeds personnel regarding your property.

Warning signs for real estate professionals and closing attorneys include sellers who:
• Communicate only by email and refuse phone or video calls.
• Demand a quick cash sale at a below-market price.
• Claim to be out of the country and unavailable.
• Own vacant land, rental property, or property without a mortgage.
If you believe you may be the victim of deed fraud or property owner impersonation, contact the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office immediately. Early reporting can be critical in preventing the fraudulent transfer or sale of property.

📞 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office
803-635-4141

Protect your property. Stay informed. Report suspicious activity.

06/10/2026

The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office would like to extend our sincere thanks to Pastor Viki Hydrick and Randy Hydrick of Bethel Methodist Community Church and their congregation for their generous donation of box fans to help families in need throughout Fairfield County.

As temperatures continue to rise this spring and summer, these fans will provide much-needed relief and comfort to residents who may be struggling to stay cool during the hottest months of the year. Our deputies will be distributing these fans to families throughout the community who can benefit from this generous gift.

We are grateful for community partners like Bethel Methodist Community Church who continually demonstrate what it means to care for their neighbors and serve others with compassion.

Thank you, Pastor Viki, Randy, and the entire congregation, for helping us make a difference in the lives of Fairfield County families.

06/09/2026

🚨 SEEKING INFORMATION – PERSON OF INTEREST 🚨

The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying and locating a person of interest in connection with a shooting that occurred on Interstate 77 Northbound near the Chester County line on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

The individual shown in the attached video and the vehicle pictured are believed to have information that may assist investigators with this ongoing investigation.

At this time, this individual is considered a person of interest only. No criminal charges have been filed, and investigators are seeking to identify and speak with this individual regarding the incident.

Anyone who recognizes this person or vehicle, or who may have information related to this investigation, is asked to contact the Inv. Barry Gilbert or Investigator Jeremiah McKissack at 803-635-4141. Information may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Case Number: 26-003006

06/04/2026

Sheriff Will Montgomery and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincere thanks to Pastor James McManus and the congregation of Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Winnsboro for their thoughtful visit and generous donation of snacks for our deputies and staff.

Acts of kindness like this mean more than words can express. Knowing that our community supports and appreciates the men and women who serve Fairfield County each day is both encouraging and motivating.

We are grateful for Pastor McManus, the Bethel AME Church family, and their continued support of local law enforcement. Thank you for taking the time to think of us and for helping keep our team fueled while serving our citizens.

Your kindness is truly appreciated!

06/03/2026

🚨 NEW SOUTH CAROLINA UTV LAW TAKES EFFECT NOVEMBER 14, 2026 🚨

The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to make citizens aware of a new South Carolina law regulating the operation of Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) on public roadways.

Governor Henry McMaster recently signed legislation allowing certain UTVs to operate on public highways under specific conditions. The law becomes effective on **November 14, 2026**.

✅ To operate a UTV on a public roadway, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Possess a valid South Carolina driver's license
• Have the UTV properly registered, licensed, and insured
• Wear a seatbelt (all occupants)
• Ensure the UTV is equipped with headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, and approved seatbelts

⚠️ Important Restrictions:

• UTVs are NOT permitted on interstate highways
• UTVs may only be operated on certain roads with speed limits of 55 MPH or less
• Operators and passengers under 21 years of age must wear a helmet with a face shield
• Children under 8 years old may not ride as passengers on public roadways
• Modified exhaust systems that exceed the manufacturer's original noise level are prohibited
• UTV operation is generally limited to within 10 miles of the registered address

Please remember that this is only a summary of the law. Citizens are encouraged to review the complete statute for all requirements, restrictions, and exceptions before operating a UTV on public roads.

The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with these new regulations and to operate safely and responsibly.

🚔 Stay informed. Stay safe. Drive responsibly.

06/01/2026

Most people think scammers randomly pick their victims. The truth is that many scammers do their homework first.

Today, social media makes it easy for criminals to learn personal details about our lives. A scammer may never have met you, but after reviewing your public social media profile, they may know:

• Your children's and grandchildren's names
• Where you live
• Where you work
• Your hobbies and interests
• When you are traveling
• What organizations you support
• Even your voice from videos you have posted

This information can help scammers make their calls, texts, emails, and social media messages sound more believable.

Imagine receiving a phone call from someone who knows your granddaughter's name, where she goes to school, and that she recently traveled. Many people would assume the caller is legitimate.

Before You Post, Ask Yourself:
✓ Would I share this information with a stranger?
✓ Could this information be used to gain my trust?
✓ Does this reveal details that could help someone impersonate a family member?

Four Ways to Protect Yourself
1. Review your privacy settings regularly.
2. Avoid posting travel plans until after you return home.
3. Be cautious about sharing birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, and family details publicly.
4. Remember that information found online can be used to create convincing scams.

The good news is that social media can also help protect us. By sharing scam warnings and educating others, we can make it harder for criminals to succeed.
The best defense against scams is not fear—it's awareness.

Stop Elderly Scams!

www.stopelderlyscams.com