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 Alicia Manautou. 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.

Feb 26, 2021

2 store clerks arrested for illegal alcohol sales

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested two convenience store clerks on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, after they illegally sold alcohol to an 18-year-old female who was part of the PCSO Operation Pop-Top.

"These operations are carried out frequently at different locations throughout the county, to ensure that the stores and employees are compliant with state laws, by not selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Kudos to those who did the right thing." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

The 18-year-old participant is a member of the PCSO Explorers program which consists of students who are interested in a career in law enforcement.

The Explorer visited eight stores in southeast Polk County on Wednesday, and she was successful in purchasing beer at two of the stores.

Arrested were 21-year-old Sierra Doggette at the Sunoco store at 19300 US 27 in Lake Wales, and RECORD SEALED OR EXPUNGED.

The six other stores which were visited and were compliant were:
* Lily Citgo 20500 US 27, Lake Wales
* Love's Travel Stop 17309 US 27, Lake Wales
* Lake Wales Truck Stop 16311 US 27, Lake Wales
* Town Star 7030 US 27, Frostproof
* R&H Foods & Gas, Inc 5320 US 27, Frostproof
* Sun Ray Market & Deli 5321 US 27, Frostproof