Sheriff Notes July 24 2023

• Our Uniform Response Division and Investigative Unit investigated a very serious criminal sexual conduct case in which charges were authorized for CSC 2^nd Degree, possession of CSAM (child sexually abusive material), and accosting a minor for immoral purposes. The suspect fled the state and was tracked down in Blunt County Tennessee. He was taken into custody and brought back to our facility to face the above charges.
• Our Uniform Response Division assisted another agency on a B&E where numerous guns were taken. They were able to locate the suspect and obtained a confession. All the guns and stolen items were recovered.
• There is a consistent trend with marijuana shops being broke into or attempted to be broke into. On the ones where subjects where caught or on ones where suspects where developed, all have been from other counties or other states. The majority of the shops have extensive surveillance systems and security systems which aides law enforcement in the crimes.
• Uniform Response Division participated in a multi-state speed enforcement day. This is done periodically in which our office participates. During that, all traffic violations are enforced, however, speed is the primary target.
• A special shout out to the Mounted Division for getting True Vine Trails and Tails 4-H Club's horses and ponies to the fair. By doing so, the kids were able to participate in the fair. Parents of the club members were on hand to help load them and follow the trailer to the fair to get them checked in.
• The Marine Patrol has been busy this summer patrolling the waterways. The county has 113 inland lakes, 78 public access, and 14 miles of Lake Michigan. Between June and July, the Marine Patrol has launched at ALL 78 accesses. While they focus on the larger busier lakes, it is also important to be active on all the lakes in which they do. They have had over 200 boater contacts. Our goal is not to write a ton of tickets, but to educate people on their violations. Tickets are issued if need be on certain things if there are numerous egregious violations or a serious violation putting someone in danger, etc. The most common stop on the water are for child safety vests, expired registration, and slow/no wake zones. Remember, it is illegal to operate a water vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol so stay sober.
• 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are struggling or know someone who is, contact them for help.

Thank you for everyone who came out and supported our youth at the Van Buren County Youth Fair. It was a great turnout and it was nice to see so many attend again this year. Thank you to our Reserve Division, Mounted Division, and Uniform Response for being there to have a safe environment for everyone.