Sumter Police seek suspect involved with false armed robbery reports

The Sumter Police are asking for the community’s help in locating a suspect wanted for false reports of armed robberies.

Brandon Hampton, 30, is suspected of participating in false reports of armed robberies with Murphy’s Gas Station employee Jessica China, said Sumter Police Public Information Officer Tonyia M. McGirt.

According to McGirt, China reported being robbed at gunpoint at the gas station on Aug. 9, and again on Sept. 6 when she claimed she was forced into a vehicle when making a bank deposit — only to escape. China, 28, was arrested on Sept. 10, and charged with two counts of filing a false police report, two counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent and two counts of conspiracy, said McGirt.

Hampton’s a Florence resident and has been seen in the Red Bay Road-area of Sumter. He faces two counts of grand larceny and two counts of conspiracy.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 5:25 PM.