For over 150 years, the Sumter Police Department has been serving the citizens of Sumter, South Carolina on the solid foundation of public trust and safety. Sumter PD officers serve a 40,000-strong town and are committed to treating all in our vibrant community fairly and with respect. We are a CALEA accredited agency and maintain their gold standard of serving and protecting our communities.
Keep it cool….
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Tuesday until 8 p.m.
High temperatures combined with humidity levels can be potentially dangerous.
Be aware, take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses and look out for others, both people and pets.
(This post was edited to correct the advisory day.)
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SUMMER SATURDAY: Det. A. Bryan and Det. Staff Sgt. A. Snapp, members of our forensics unit, looked “cool” as they represented Sumter PD during the Liberty STEAM and eVAC Magnetics STEM Fest and Hiring Event at the Sumter Mall.
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BECOME ONE OF US: Learn more about the Sumter Police Department and its job opportunities at SumterPD.com/careers. Officer and telecommunications positions are available.
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That is awesome! They are actively reaching out to the community for employees.
Awesome 👍
Murder, kidnapping charges filed
in 2023 missing persons case
SUMTER, SC (June 21, 2025) – A former Beaufort County man is in custody and charged in the case of Sophia Van Dam and her 2-year-old son Matteo, who were reported missing two years ago this month.
The Sumter Police Department placed Jonas Jerry Washington, 26, in custody earlier this week in Georgia. He is being held locally at the county detention center and is charged with murder for the killing of Sophia Van Dam and the kidnapping of Matteo.
A hearing before a Circuit Court judge is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sumter County Judicial Center.
Washington was living in Sumter with Sophia and Matteo before the mother and son were reported missing by family members in Beaufort County.
Additional information is not being released at this time. However, Sumter Police, in partnership with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the S.C. Law Enforcement Division and the FBI, are continuing to investigate.
Any information that could help in the investigation can be submitted to the Sumter Police Department by calling 803-436-2700.
Tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at P3tips.com or by using the P3tips app for Apple or Android devices. Tips can also be submitted to SLED at tips@sled.sc.gov.
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Approved for media release by Chief Russell F. Roark, III
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Mom & baby were not found. They just had enough evidence to make an arrest. He just needs to do the right thing & disclose the location of their bodies so they can have a proper burial 😞prayers to the family
So the child is okay? That's wonderful! Hopefully, the family will finally be able to have closure and she will get justice.
They'll never win the case without the Bodies,and respect to the family's affected!
Prayers for the family, no justice until he gets the death penalty
These young ladies had to be careful whom they let in there lives...
POS!!! We all knew it and he was arrested 5 days ago on this charge! Best be glad that wasn’t my daughter or grandkid justice would been served by my hands.2 years too long!
No my nephew is still not found
So where is the child
So very cruel ...😢🙏praying for justice to prevail. ⚖️
Man i was just thinking about them. I'm tearing up. I was hoping no new was good news. This is sad. I'm glad the baby is safe. They said kid napping of the son...
My condolences goes out to the family and the love ones. That devil 😈 comes in wolf and sheep clothing. It hard to trust anyone these days especially this evil world we are living in.
Give him the 🪑
this is so sad,
But the child is ok right?
Jonas is really a nice guy. I don’t know how it came to this but he was always kind to me. I’m sorry for the family lost
How do people do this stuff
So did they find Sophia?
I know this family. This is fantastic news
I've been waiting to hear he was charged. I cried over this because it's so sad. He could have left her & the baby alone at her parents house.
So sad for the little boy
Praying the Lord will comfort family and friends and deliver justice
Stay in your line
Omg nooo ;*( been following this case day 1. Was praying thos wasn't the case.
Sherry Dixon Blackmon
Sharing with prayers that this child will be found 🙏
KEEP IT COOL....
Check on those you know, those you don't know and don't forget about the pets.
Never wait for a situation to become potentially life-threatening to seek help.
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Being a Police Officer in a CALEA Accredited Department means you belong to an agency that is committed to following best practice standards developed by federal, state, and local law enforcement executives through comprehensive research. This is one of the most successful methods for reaching administrative and operational goals, while also providing direction to personnel.
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations:
SPECIFICALLY, CALEA’S GOALS ARE TO:
