Click Here for ADA Accessible Format

Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200

If in an emergency Dial 911

Polk County Sheriff Facebook Polk County Sheriff Twitter Polk County Sheriff Instagram Polk County Sheriff Youtube Polk County Sheriff Twitter

Hit enter to search or ESC to close

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 Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. 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.

Steven Carter
Jan 14, 2026

Lakeland man arrested for...

Steven Carter bought gift cards, fuel, and automotive items using his company's credit card

Read More
Christopher Smith
Jan 13, 2026

PCSO arrests man for firi...

Smith was arrested for firing a gun in a crowd and said he was intoxicated and on probation for atte...

Read More
Jamie Dean Mathis
Jan 12, 2026

Dade City man in stolen t...

Violent suspect in a stolen vehicle arrested near Rancho Bonito

Read More
Operation Pop Top
Jan 9, 2026

Winter Haven clerk arrest...

High school student assisted deputies during the Operation Pop Top campaign

Read More
Marrie Ibarra Mug
Jan 6, 2026

Wauchula woman arrested f...

On January 5, 2026, PCSO detectives arrested 43-year-old Marie Ibarra of Wauchula on charges related...

Read More
Haines City HS
Jan 5, 2026

Man dies from serious bur...

32 year old who graduated from Haines City High School in 2011 dies from burns suffered at the schoo...

Read More