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.

Aug 11, 2021

PCSO Vice Unit arrests Lake Wales woman during a massage parlor investigation

Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO

On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, undercover detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office Vice Unit conducted an on-going operation focused on identifying possible human trafficking victims and possible illegal conduct in a massage parlor.

During a check at the I-Spa located at 28079 U.S. 27 in Dundee, 52-year-old Junxia Li of Lake Wales was arrested for Committing Lewd Acts (M2) after she grabbed the detective's groin. She was transported to the Polk County Jail where she was released after posting a $250 bond.

"Illicit massage businesses can be hotbeds for human trafficking. Some people working in them are brought to our country with the promise of a better life, but that's not what they get. We will work hard to keep human trafficking out of Polk County by continually checking these types of businesses." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

At this time, there is no evidence or information that Ms. Li is a victim of human trafficking. Ms. Li did not disclose to detectives that she is a victim.

Anyone with information about illegal activities or suspected human trafficking occurring in a Polk County massage parlor business is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com & click the “Submit a Tip” tab. Citizens may also download the P3TIPS app on their cell phone or mobile device.