STOP Domestic Violence

The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Lesli Forbis

Lesli Forbis has served as the Victim Services Advocate for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office since August 2014. She works with victims of crime, specializing in domestic violence. Her goal for the Sheriff’s Office is to ensure that our officers are always keeping a victim-centered approach in mind as they investigate crime.

Prior to working for the Sheriff’s Office, her first experience as an advocate was with the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office. She later served as a Legal Assistant with the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office until she accepted her current position.

Since being employed with the Sheriff’s Office she has helped to implement the Handle with Care Program within the Putnam County School System as well as helping to develop and start the first Domestic Violence Shelter in Putnam County. She has served on the Putnam County STOP team, a collaborative task team, focused on helping victims of violence with resources available in the area. She serves on several committees with the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Project, and The WV State Supreme Court and participates in the AWARE Project.

Sgt. Heather Grimmett

Sgt. Heather Grimmett has served as the Domestic Violence Officer for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office since July 2021. She specializes in helping families experiencing domestic violence and sexual assaults. Prior to that role, she was a road patrol deputy in Putnam County since 2013.

Heather Harrison Grimmett grew up in Hurricane, Putnam County, WV and is a graduate of Hurricane High School. She then joined the United States Marine Corps and spent 10 years as a Marine before moving back to Putnam County and becoming a deputy.

Law enforcement is a passion for her. She has a desire to help others, especially in domestic violence situations, and assist them through the process of the criminal justice system or with healing.

Sgt. Grimmett is a certified instructor and teaches law enforcement throughout the state of West Virginia. She is also a certified hostage negotiator. She works closely with the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence for training and to improve/implement domestic violence projects.