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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 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.

WEBSTER,BRIAN SCOTT
Feb 16, 2026

Bartow teacher arrested f...

5 acres burned in Bartow after backyard burn-pit fire gets out of control

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THOMAS,NICOLE TERRY
Feb 16, 2026

Fake child protective ser...

Fake DCF employee tires to take kids, even calls 911 to get deputy to assist

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Operation Bloodline
Feb 13, 2026

PCSO’s Operation Bloodlin...

PCSO infiltrates and busts central Florida drug trafficking organization

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Carlos Silva cropped
Feb 11, 2026

Suspect from Venezuela ar...

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, PCSO deputies arrested 36 year old Carlos Silva, who is in the countr...

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Johnston and Braley
Feb 11, 2026

Cyber Crimes Unit arrests...

The Polk County Sheriff's Office Cyber Crimes Unit arrested two roommates, 25-year-old Jefferey John...

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Jose Obregon Salgado
Feb 11, 2026

Deputies arrest illegal a...

A suspect who is in the country illegally from Mexico fled from a hit-and-run crash in Winter Haven ...

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