Gretna Man Arrested After Altavista Mayor Receives Threatening Facebook Message

Kevin Scott Keesee charged with communicating threats of death or bodily injury

Feb. 27, 2026 at 2:20am

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A 46-year-old Gretna man named Kevin Scott Keesee was arrested by the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office after the Altavista Police Department was made aware of a "concerning Facebook message" received by Mayor Reggie Bennett on February 24. Keesee was charged with communicating threats of death or bodily injury and was later released on an unsecured bond.

Why it matters

Threats against public officials, especially at the local level, are concerning and can undermine public trust in government. The swift action by the Altavista Police Department to investigate the threat and work with the Commonwealth's Attorney to obtain a felony warrant demonstrates their commitment to protecting the mayor and the community.

The details

After receiving the concerning Facebook message, the Altavista Police Department immediately opened an investigation. They consulted with the Campbell County Commonwealth's Attorney, who then helped them obtain a felony warrant for 46-year-old Kevin Scott Keesee. Keesee was charged with communicating threats of death or bodily injury.

  • On February 24, the Altavista mayor received the concerning Facebook message.
  • On February 26, Keesee was arrested by the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

The players

Reggie Bennett

The mayor of Altavista, Virginia who received the concerning Facebook message.

Kevin Scott Keesee

A 46-year-old man from Gretna, Virginia who was arrested and charged with communicating threats of death or bodily injury against the Altavista mayor.

Altavista Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the threat against the mayor and obtained a felony warrant for Keesee's arrest.

Campbell County Commonwealth's Attorney

The prosecutor's office that consulted with the Altavista Police Department and helped them obtain the felony warrant for Keesee.

Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that arrested Keesee.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kevin Scott Keesee out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of public officials and law enforcement working together to swiftly address threats against elected leaders, in order to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of the community.