Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament raises funds

The Crime Stoppers of Oconee County Golf Tournament was held yesterday at Oconee Country Club in Seneca. “We had 23 teams, which is 92 players who participated. We had 30 hole sponsors and we had a lot of great individuals and businesses that got involved with us.” Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt said this is a big fundraiser each year for the non-profit organization. “Crime Stoppers does not receive any tax money and there is no line item in the Sheriff’s Office budget each year for Crime Stoppers. It is a non-profit, 501c3 organization started back in 1996. Basically how we gather funds for our operations is a couple of fundraisers each year and through private donations as well.” Crime Stoppers produces results, concludes Watt. “2014 we were able to clear 24 cases and pay out over $1,800 in tip money.” Since its inception in 1996, Crime Stoppers has helped law enforcement recover almost $111,000 in property, seize almost $11,000 in narcotics, clear 138 cases and pay out over $31,000 in tips.