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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.

Wilfredo Florenciani and Angel Oliveras
Jan 2, 2025

PCSO charges a man and hi...

Man and step-son violently attacked group on New Year's Day

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Kody Wills
Dec 31, 2024

Father charged in the dea...

On December 31, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged 30-year-old Kody Wills o...

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Rabid bat
Dec 27, 2024

Sixth case of rabies conf...

The sixth case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed in the area of Oak Avenue, Fort...

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Awny Abdel Malek Basta
Dec 20, 2024

Polk County Sheriff’s Off...

Sex offender offends again, this time against a juvenile in Lakeland

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POP TOP
Dec 20, 2024

Operation Pop Top: Lakela...

Nine stores were compliant, but one failed.

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Donald Mitchell
Dec 19, 2024

PCSO arrests former teach...

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 36-year-old Donald Mitchell of Lakeland for sexual off...

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