Kidnapping warrant issued after Sumter woman takes son against court order, visitation rights

An arrest warrant has been issued in Sumter County for a woman accused of taking her child against court order and in violation of her visitation rights.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office issued the warrant for Jessica Marie Peebles for alleged kidnapping. According to the warrant, the 29-year-old, took her biological child, an 8-year-old boy named Rowan Luke Clemmons.

Her original charge of custodial interference was upgraded to kidnapping after she refused to return the boy, said Maj. Randall Stewart of the sheriff’s office. She no longer has lawful custody per a family court order and is continuing to deny the court appointed guardian rights to the child, Stewart said.

Peebles is believed to be back in the Sumter area and is not communicating with the lawful guardian.

Stewart said the 8-year-old child is listed as missing until he is safely returned to the proper legal guardian.

Peebles is 5-foot-5-inches, 135 pounds with red/auburn hair and brown eyes.

Rowan is 4-foot-6-inches, 80 pounds and has brown/auburn hair and brown eyes.

The sheriff’s office is asking Peebles to surrender the child to his lawful guardian and turn herself in. Anyone with information of her whereabouts is asked to call 911, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436 - 2000, or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.