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News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.

PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org

The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.

Rachael Fidanian
Oct 11, 2018

Polk County Sheriff's Off...

Following a three-and-a-half month investigation, the Polk County Sheriff's Office has arrested 38-y...

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Larry Washington
Oct 10, 2018

Night of drinking and pot...

On the morning of Tuesday, October 10, 2018, the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged 4...

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Operation Cyber Guardian Fall Haul
Oct 9, 2018

Operation Cyber Guardian,...

PCSO undercover detectives conducted a six-day undercover “traveler” operation from Octo...

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Sheriff Judd podcast
Oct 8, 2018

Sheriff Grady Judd launch...

The “Not in My County” podcast, produced by the Lakeland Ledger, will run 30 minutes and air on a we...

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James Patrick Jr
Oct 4, 2018

Winter Haven man arrested...

On Wednesday, October 3, 2018, PCSO detectives arrested 53-year-old James Royal Patrick, Jr., of Ave...

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Randolph Maya
Oct 2, 2018

Auburndale Man Arrested f...

On Tuesday, October 2, 2018, PCSO Homicide detectives charged 50-year-old Randolph Maya of Dixie Hwy...

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