[outlaw]

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

Right, and this is a good suggestion.

First, I really am not an expert on criminal investigations. My knowledge is no greater than the average person about how they are conducted. I do know that some who are following and contributing to this thread do have experience in criminal investigation and I appreciate their comments when they make them.

I did call the Sumter County Sheriff's office on Thursday morning, July 23, to inquire about the status of this investigation. The person who answered the phone was extremely nice and respectful and conveys a very positive public image for the office. I began by telling her in a very pleasant way how much I respect the Sumter County Sheriff's office and complimenting her on what a good job they typically do.

I then asked about the status of the tree cutting investigation. She had no idea what I was talking about. I described what I knew from newspaper accounts and she was still baffled. She first thought that the incident did not occur in Sumter County. I assured her that it did and gave her the name of the village where it occurred. She then agreed that it was Sumter. She then told me that it did not sound like something the Sheriff's Office would investigate and suggested that some other agency might be investigating the crime. I replied that I was pretty sure it was within their purview and that newspaper reports indicated that it was being done by their office. She then asked if I would give my name and phone number so that she could inquire about this issue and call me back with information. I gave her both, and got her name. She did not call back.

Today, July 24, I called the Sheriff's office again. The same person answered the phone. Again we exchanged pleasant greetings. I told her my name and reminded her of my call yesterday. She seemed puzzled and asked, "didn't they call you?" I replied that they did not, so she proceeded to tell me that this was a current and continuing investigation and that was all she could share with me. I suggested that I would continue to monitor any progress of the investigation by reading The Daily Sun and she agreed that I should do that. I thanked her for her time and trouble, and I report this now.

Bottom line is that I don't know any more now than I did before I called, other than the case does not appear closed. I'll give it some time and call them again. Might not be a bad idea for others with concerns to inquire as well.

Sounds like it's been moved to the cold case file....