Deputies arrested 41-year-old Jerry Matthew Monroe of Lakeland today charging him with Misdemeanor Battery.

In April 2013, Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives developed 35-year-old Malynda Ford of Lakeland as a suspect possibly involved in an organized retail theft ring operating in Polk County and surrounding counties after she had been observed by the Beall’s Loss Prevention team in several Beall's stores acting suspiciously. Detectives began an in-depth investigation, conducting surveillance and determining other suspects who may be involved with Ford regarding retail thefts.

On May 14, 2013, PCSO Traffic deputies obtained an arrest warrant for 58-year-old Michael Sisco of Lake Wales, charging him with two counts DUI Manslaughter (F-2) and one count DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury (F-3) for a traffic fatality he caused on December 24, 2012, in Lake Wales. He was taken into custody at his home on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, and transported to the Polk County Jail.

On Thursday, March 21, 2013, PCSO undercover Computer Crimes detectives arrested brothers, 29-year-old Brian James Craft and 30-year-old Thomas James Craft, who both live with their mother at 5210 Dismuke Drive in Lakeland, and charged each with multiple counts Possession of Child Pornography. Brian was additionally charged with Lewd Molestation after detectives identified two children in the porn he had on his computer as children he had access to and whom he sexually molested.

On May 12, 2013, Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Mulberry man and charged him with multiple charges related to running a chop shop on his 10-acre property.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Executive Staff members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will recognize law enforcement, detention, civilian, and volunteer members of the agency on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City, at the 2013 PCSO Annual Awards ceremony. On hand to help recognize these members will be county elected officials and administrators, and other special dignitaries.

From Wednesday, May 8th, through Saturday, May 11th, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives conducted an investigation targeting online e-commerce sites related to men and women who were advertising to commit prostitution and who were soliciting others for prostitution. At the conclusion of the four-day-long investigation, 92 suspects were arrested. Their charges ranged from Offering to Commit Lewdness in which the suspects either posted online ads, or answered online ads; to Aiding and Abett

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies are investigating a traffic crash between an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) and a bicycle, in which one person was killed and three others critically injured.

On Thursday evening, May 9, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit detectives arrested 29-year-old Patrice Sanders (DOB 8/13/1983) of 1133 Enterprise Street in Lakeland, who drives a Polk County School bus (number 9856), and so far have charged her with: one count False Imprisonment (F-3); two counts Child Abuse (F-3); two counts Child Neglect (F-3); two counts Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (M-1).

On Thursday, May 9, 2013, PCSO Robbery detectives arrested 33-year-old Richard Delgado Cruz (DOB 2/11/1980) and his brother, 29-year-old Danny Delgado Cruz (DOB 6/23/1983), for the violent armed home invasion, armed burglary, and sexual battery that occurred in Poinciana on May 6, 2013.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes detectives arrested 41-year-old James “Shannon” Arnett, DOB 04/24/1972, 8810 Pine Tree Drive, Lakeland, charging him with two counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Arnett was booked into the Polk County Jail at 10:00 p.m., held on no bond until first appearance on Thursday, May 9 at 12:30 p.m.

On Friday, May 3, 2013, what appeared to be a “routine” traffic stop in east Polk County resulted in the largest seizure of Methamphetamines in the county’s history.

In observance of 2013 National Police Week (May 12th through May 18th) the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Polk County Lodge #46 and the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund (PCLEMF), Inc., will present the 26th Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Thursday, May 9th, 2013, 10:00 a.m., at the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial in Lakeland Veterans Park.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office received information about possible drug activity at a residence in Auburndale.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes detectives received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the possible transmission of a child pornography video from a residence in Winter Haven.

School Teacher and husband arrested for Burglary of a Residence, Grand Theft, and Scheming to Defraud in “adverse possession” case

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies are working a two-vehicle crash in Lakeland that resulted in three fatalities.

"It is with heavy heart that I must announce that Master Deputy Sheriff Joseph “Shane” Robbins died in the line of duty today, when he was involved in single-vehicle traffic crash. In his 15 year career, Shane touched many lives across our agency and county. His enthusiasm, kindness, and sense of humor will be missed. Shane’s infectious smile could brighten even the most difficult of days. We have suffered a great loss." – Sheriff Grady Judd

On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, PCSO Special Victims detectives arrested 51-year-old Dewey Norris (DOB 8/11/1961) of 4787 Fox Creek Drive West in Mulberry, and charged him with four counts Video Voyeurism of a Child Over Age 16, and 49 counts Video Voyeurism of a Child Under Age 16, as well as one count Destroying Evidence.

Approach 10-Year-Old Child Asking that She Allow Him to Touch Her Feet – Believed To Have Approached Hundreds of Females

On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, PCSO undercover detectives arrested three men for running a gambling house in Homeland (near Fort Meade).

44-year-old Randall Scott Miller (DOB 4/9/1969) of Cone Road in Auburndale was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service in Carrollton, Georgia this morning (April 19, 2013).

On Thursday, April 18, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted an “Operation Pop Top” initiative in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Fort Meade, Homeland, and Fort Meade areas.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover Computer Crimes detectives received information about possible child porn being downloaded and distributed from a Lakeland residence.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2013, PCSO deputies and members of the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force (Tampa and Orlando divisions) arrested a New Jersey fugitive from justice who had a warrant issued on Monday for Homicide.

Polk County Sheriff's Agricultural Crimes deputies, along with Winter Haven Police Officers, have arrested and charged three men for multiple counts of citrus trailer thefts and giving false verification to metals dealers.

Sheriff Grady Judd, Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Task Force, announces the results of a five week operation aimed at protecting youth in Florida. “Operation Dry Spring,” an initiative conducted by the Florida Sheriffs Task Force, focused on preventing underage youth from purchasing and using alcohol, tobacco and various forms of synthetic drugs. This operation was timed to coincide with the Spring Break season, when many youth experiment with drugs and alcohol.

On Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sheriff’s Operations Center, Sheriff Grady Judd administered the oath of office to the inaugural class of 20 civilian “Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officers" (VSSO). The new VSSO program is an expansion of the very successful Citizens’ Assisted Patrol (CAP) program that uses citizen volunteers to “observe and report” while patrolling neighborhoods and other designated areas in Polk County.

Two men who had a combined total of 28 charges on multiple outstanding arrest warrants from Orange County, Florida, were arrested near Polk City after they were seen by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives who were learning surveillance techniques during in-field training.

36-year-old Donya Leigh-Anne Dennard, a teacher at Daniel Jenkins Academy in Haines City was charged with Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Paraphernalia.

The Polk State College (PSC) Kenneth C. Thompson Institute for Public Safety, known locally as the criminal justice training academy, was recently awarded the “Accreditation with Excellence” award by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).

On Thursday, April 4, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 48-year-old Marcy Scalise, DOB 12/14/1964, 121 Wild Flower Drive, Lake Wales, charging her with Fraud, Grand Theft and Money Laundering.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, April 2nd and 3rd, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted two “Operation Pop Top” initiatives in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operations were conducted in the Lakeland and Winter Haven areas.

On Tuesday, April 2, 2013, Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested 31-year-old Stacey Ann Fuchs after she illegally moved into a vacant home in Lakeland.

Polk County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Lakeland woman who broke into an occupied home on Cherry Tree Drive in Lakeland this past weekend.

For the fourth time since his original arrest, Polk County Sheriff's deputies have added on battery charges against 24-year-old Odane Shakes (DOB 8/16/88), who has been an inmate in the South County Jail since October 6, 2012.

On Friday, March 29, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Lakeland, Polk City, and Auburndale areas.

On Thursday, March 28, 2013, in two separate investigations, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes detectives discovered Child Pornography on computers in two Lakeland homes.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, (Explorers are high school student volunteers), routinely conduct “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

From March 1, 2013, through March 16, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic deputies participated in a nation-wide “Click It or Ticket” initiative.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently conducting an Attempted Murder/Robbery investigation in which one victim was shot and another beaten.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person.

PCSO deputies have formally charged 21-year-old Jeffrey A. Harris (DOB 1/18/1992) of Lake Placid with Driving While License Suspended/Revoked Causing Death, in yesterday's crash that occurred in southeast Winter Haven on US Hwy 27. He remains in the hospital with a deputy guarding him, but hedoes not have life-threatening injuries and is expected to be released in the next few days. When he is released, deputies will transport him directly to the Polk County Jail.

PCSO narcotics detectives arrested a Lakeland physician, who refers to himself as a “pain management doctor,” for trafficking prescription drugs and 10 other charges. Detectives learned that 44-year-old Aaron B. Roush, M.D., of 1211 East Cumberland Avenue in Tampa, who works in the Uphoria Medical Spa located at 3510 South Florida Avenue, Suite 102, in Lakeland, was overprescribing controlled substances, and prescribing them without doing medical examinations.

"I commend these businesses for complying with Florida laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors," said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Operation Pop Top is an effective community awareness tool. "When proprietors see that we will not tolerate the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to minors, it sets a precedent.”

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies are investigating a traffic crash that occurred in Haines City this morning, involving a vehicle versus a child.

On Monday, March 18, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Lakeland, Mulberry, and Winter Haven areas.

Around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2013, PCSO deputies arrested 30-year-old Francisco Martinez (DOB 10/4/1982) with no known address, and charged him with three counts Driving Under the Influence.

On Thursday, March 14, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven area.

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Sheriff Grady Judd is urging motorists to plan a safe ride home and never get behind the wheel drunk. During this holiday, deputies in Polk County will be on high alert, and cracking down on drunk drivers.

On Monday, March 11, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven area.

On Thursday, March 7, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven and Eagle Lake areas.

On Wednesday, March 6, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Lake Wales area.

The school crossing guard located at S. Crystal Lake Drive and Hester Drive will be removed. This decision was made by the School Crossing Guard Committee following a survey of the location which determined that Crystal Lake Elementary students currently crossing at this location should utilize the crossing at S. Crystal Lake Drive and Lowery Avenue which is staffed by a School Crossing Guard.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announces today it is joining hundreds of other law enforcement agencies across Florida in renewing a pledge to save lives by intensifying efforts to enforce seat belt laws — among all motorists and around the clock — during the "Click It or Ticket" initiative, which runs from March 1 – March 16, 2013.

Sheriff Grady Judd, Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Task Force, announces today the launching of an initiative throughout the state of Florida by the Florida Sheriffs Task Force named "Operation Dry Spring." This operation, which runs from March 4 - April 7, 2013, will target the illegal sale of alcohol and cigarettes to minors, as well as the illegal use of drugs by minors.

Charged with Possession of a prescription medication without a prescription (M1), Misuse of confidential information (M1), Unlawful compensation for official behavior (F2).

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Diggett family of Winter Haven are mourning the loss this week of retired PCSO K-9 “Bolt,” who was purchased by the Diggett family for PCSO in loving memory of their daughter, Allison Sousa. Allison was brutally murdered by Thomas Rigterink in September 2003.

On Tuesday, February 19, 2013, members of the Polk County HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force, conducting an investigation about the sale of Meth in Polk County, arrested seven suspects, and seized: over 50 lbs of methamphetamine (Meth), three vehicles (a Ford Expedition, a Chrysler 300, and a Nissan Murano), three motorcycles, $13,300 cash, and three firearms.

“The importance of DNA evidence in this case cannot be over stated. We had good statements from the victim and the victim’s mother, but the ability to collect potential DNA evidence and the subsequent match gave us the key we needed to arrest this predator. The child’s mother did absolutely the right thing by effectively communicating with her son and contacting the Sheriff’s Office.” – Sheriff Grady Judd

Polk County Sheriff's Robbery detectives positively identified and arrested 32-year-old William David Mounts (DOB 7/18/1980) of Mulberry as the suspect wanted in two armed robberies that occurred in Polk County on Saturday, February 16, 2013.

On Thursday, February 7, 2013, Polk County Sheriff's Central District patrol deputies observed what appeared to be four traveling scam artists working in the Auburndale area of Polk County. According to their affidavits, the men drove to the Auburndale area in several commercial vehicles and solicited home owners to allow them to pave their driveways.

“Every day, Sheriff’s Office deputies risk their lives to keep our Polk County residents safe,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “The dangers are very real, and this case is a perfect example of how quickly one call can become a potentially life-threatening situation - and as we’ve seen over and over, drugs were involved.”

Polk County Sheriff's Traffic deputies are investigating a traffic fatality involving a semi tractor-trailer versus a pedestrian, in the area of County Line Road just north of Spring Creek Drive in Lakeland (other nearest cross streets are Medulla and Dranefield). The pedestrian, 74-year-old James Bernard Edwards, is deceased.

Polk County's crime rate in the unincorporated areas and contract cities[i] (for which the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is responsible) dropped from 2011 to 2012, according to the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) statistics reported annually to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

On February 4, 2013, Sheriff Grady Judd and members of PCSO senior staff (Captains and above) during their monthly staff meeting recognized 34-year-old Ian Walcott of Lakeland with a Sheriff's Commendation for his life-saving efforts when a PCSO deputy was choking last October.

On Thursday, January 31, 2013, Polk County Sheriff's Undercover Computer Crimes detectives arrested an Auburndale man who began chatting with central Florida undercover detectives earlier this month during "Operation Cardea" in Seminole County.

On January 29, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes, Vice and Gang detectives executed two search warrants in the northeast area of Polk County. These warrants were the result of two proactive investigations involving individuals Downloading And Trading Child Pornography.

On May 2, 2012, the Bank of America contacted Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives with concerns about the possible exploitation of a client, 88-year-old Lakeland woman.

At 12:00 pm, on Friday, January 25, 2013, members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force assisted with the arrest of 27-year-old Jeffery Mosley, DOB 06/19/1985, Bartow. Mosley had an open warrant for Attempted Homicide and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Polk County Sheriff's detectives arrested 40-year-old Christopher Fink of Haines City and charged him with multiple charges for his theft of 166 manhole covers from a development in Poinciana.

A total of 89 charges have been made against 14 suspects since the beginning of the investigation in Mid-December, 2012.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Tuesday, January 22, 2013, the first positive Rabies case in Polk County for the year.

At 8:00 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013, a fundraising event will be held at the Earhart’s Runway Grill located at the Lakeland Linder Airport, 3900 Don Emerson Drive in Lakeland, to aid Polk County Sheriff’s Detective Zulaika “Zoe” Vizcarrondo and her family.

On Thursday, January 17, 2013, a Polk County Grand Jury indicted 21-year-old Thomas Lee "Dutch" Gainers, DOB 4/25/1991, of 1152 Ruby Street in Lakeland, for First Degree Murder in the December 9, 2012, homicide of Sean Anthony Williamson. He was arrested this afternoon without incident by PCSO.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, working in an undercover capacity, conducted a four-day investigation, beginning Thursday, January 10, 2013, through Sunday, January 13, 2013, targeting online e-commerce sites related to men and women who were advertising to commit prostitution and solicit for prostitution.

On Thursday, January 10, 20134, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes detectives arrested 60-year-old Jerry Ulrey, 314 Dogfish Way, Poinciana, charging him with Possession of Child Pornography.

On Friday, January 11, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives received a Crime Stoppers tip identifying 29-year-old Leonard Randolph Coleman, DOB 07/29/1983, 360 24th street NW, Apartment 519, Winter Haven, as the suspect in the Superway Convenience Store shooting investigation.

As a part of our ongoing effort to keep citizens informed, we are proud to announce the launching of our new PCSO mobile app. Thanks to the Appriss® mobile phone application, you can now take PCSO information with you wherever you go.

Polk County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have arrested 20-year-old Ladarius Demario Glover (DOB 2/8/1992) of Lakeland in connection to the December 11th homicide of 66-year-old Horace Scott of Lakeland.

Polk County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have arrested one suspect and identified and obtained an arrest warrant for another suspect in the December 11th homicide of 66-year-old Horace Scott of Lakeland.

On Monday, January 8, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to the 7 Days Food Mart located at 1123 6th St. NW Winter Haven after receiving a tip that Gambling Devices were being operated within the store. Detectives found three separate upright Gambling Devices that were fully operational by the front checkout counter.

From June to December 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s detectives rounded up 41 suspects during an investigation focusing on those who download and distribute child pornography, and those who fail to maintain their state-mandated sexual offender or predator registration.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested two Lakeland women on New Year's Eve (December 31, 2012) after they went into the Publix Liquor Store at 6767 US Hwy 98 North in Lakeland and stole several bottles of liquor. The tag number of the suspect vehicle was given to deputies just after the crime occurred, and the women were picked up the same day. They were both still wearing the clothes they wore during the crime, and they were still in possession of the stolen alcohol.

Thanks to teamwork and swift action by Mid-Florida Credit Union employees and Polk County Sheriff's deputies, a bank robbery suspect was arrested just minutes after he robbed the bank at gunpoint in Davenport on New Year's Eve.

On Thursday, December 27, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Lake Alfred, Davenport, Auburndale, and Polk City areas of Polk County.

Members of the Polk County HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force, Lake Wales Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Drug Unit conducted a warrants round up Thursday, December 20, 2012 as a result of a targeted initiative to investigate illegal street level drug sales in the area of Lake Wales. 20 were arrested Thursday and 2 current Polk County Jail inmates were served warrants for additional charges.

On Thursday, December 20, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's detectives arrested 59-year-old Aleta Burgett (DOB 4/17/1953) of Winter Haven and her son, 29-year-old Brent Burgett (DOB 2/28/1983) of Winter Haven, along with an associate, 26-year-old Alexander Bove (DOB 7/9/1986) of Winter Haven, and charged them each with: one count Own/Operate Chop Shop; one count Burglary Conveyance; one count Grand Theft Auto; one count Possession of Motor Vehicle with Altered VIN; and one count Conspiracy.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, December 19, 2012, the ninth positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2012. On Monday, December 17, 2012, a bat was impounded by PCSO Animal Control from the residence of Roberta Dietrich located at 2717 Cleveland Heights Blvd in Lakeland. Roberta Dietrich, the owner of a dog, stated her dog was outside and brought the bat inside the house in her mouth and dropped it on the floor.

26-year-old Alyssa Dawn Tate of 909 Shirley Ann Trail, Lakeland was arrested yesterday, December 18, 2012 on a variety of felony charges related to multiple thefts and dealing in stolen property.

49-year-old Caroline Bonds of of E. Bella Vista Street, Lakeland, was arrested Monday (12.17.12) night and booked into the Polk County Jail for Scheming to Defraud (over $50K), Grand Theft (over $50K), and five counts of Money Laundering for stealing $50,378 from her civic club. She is being held on $25,000 bond. Bonds had been treasurer of the club since 2005 but quit the club in early 2012.

At approximately 12:45 pm, on Saturday, December 15, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives arrested 22-year-old Devon Anthony Sykes, DOB 09/13/1990, 2017 9th Lane NE, Winter Haven, charging him with First Degree Murder and Attempted Murder. Sykes was arrested in connection to the December 9, 2012, murder of 23-year-old Sean Anthony Williamson.

“The men and women of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are always working to keep the community safe,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Even while trying to enjoy time off with their families, our deputies find themselves fighting crime.”

On Tuesday, December 11, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted a “Pop Top” operation in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Frostproof area.

Around 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, PCSO received calls in reference to gunshots heard in the area of 1044 Captiva Point in Lakeland (nearest major cross street Reynolds Road). When deputies arrived on scene they found an adult male deceased laying on the ground in front of the front door of that residence.

Many of us are fortunate to have the support of family and friends as we face the day to day challenges life sometimes present. But there are others in our community who face adversity alone.

Polk County Sheriff's Traffic deputies are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred in Auburndale last evening involving a car that struck a Polk County Sheriff's marked patrol car head-on.

In response to citizen complaints about prostitution activity in the area of North Wabash, on Saturday, December 1, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover detectives conducted an undercover operation targeting prostitution. Detectives arrested 10 suspects.

“We have identified seven suspects – five are in custody,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “All of the suspects responsible for this senseless act of violence will go to jail. Our detectives are working around the clock - this investigation isn’t over.”

On Friday, November 30, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a 37-year-old Woman charging her with the Attempted Murder of her husband.

On November 27, 2012, members of the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Unit initiated an investigation into street level Methamphetamine dealers in Lakeland. Detectives purchased Meth from three different suspects during the investigation, and then obtained arrest warrants for all three. By the end of the day, detectives made five arrests and are seeking one with a warrant who is at large.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, November 28, 2012, the eighth positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2012.

22-year-old Alex Baez, DOB 04/20/1990, 603 Avenida Sexta, Clermont, has been charged with First Degree Murder in the death of 21-year-old Jose Santos DOB 12/21/90, 3745 Dartford Drive, Davenport.

On Sunday, November 25, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's Traffic Homicide Investigators arrested 29-year-old Christopher A. Koenig, DOB 9/19/1983, of 4048 Byrds Crossing Drive in Lakeland, and charged him with one count Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (F-1), and one count DUI Causing Death (F-1).

Polk County Sheriff's Homicide detectives have arrested and charged 56-year-old Sheree Peters (DOB 9/18/1956) of 5560 Jennings Road in Haines City with one count Manslaughter and one count Tampering With Evidence in the death of her husband, James Peters.

On Tuesday, November 20, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Polk County school teacher from Winter Haven, along with her boyfriend, for burglary and dealing in stolen property. Her adult son, who is on probation, was in the car during the theft and was also arrested. The suspects were quickly arrested due to excellent eyewitness accounts.

On Monday, November 19, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover detectives arrested a husband and wife, 46-year-old Phillip Michael Bradley (DOB 3/3/1966) and his wife, 36-year-old Evelyn Bradley (DOB 7/22/1976), who have been renting at 2503 Coral Way in Lakeland, and charged them with scheming to defraud and grand theft, among other charges.

On Friday, November 16, 2012, undercover detectives assigned to the PCSO Tactical Drug Unit served search warrants and arrest warrants related to drug investigations in Fort Mead, netting 24 arrests and the seizure of drugs, a weapon, and cash.

On Wednesday, November 14, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Computer Crimes Unit undercover detectives arrested 41-year-old Anthony “Tony” DeSilva (DOB 11/28/1970) of 23 Fairfield Street in Acushnet, Massachusetts, and charged him as part of an investigation into his online solicitation of minors.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Section is once again hosting its annual Pet Fest from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 1, 2012, at the facility, located at 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven in Winter Haven just off the Polk Parkway near the Polk County landfill.

On Wednesday, November 14, 2012, members of the Polk County HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force arrested 56-year-old William "Bill" Evans of 260 West Van Fleet Drive in Bartow, a local defense attorney who is currently on probation for Disorderly Conduct and was sentenced to one year in federal prison for distribution of Meth, on new drug charges.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is advising residents that devices known as “skimmers” have recently been found in the Bartow, Mulberry, and Haines City areas.

The Polk County Sheriff’s office Animal Control Section will be hosting “Pets for Vets” adoptions throughout the month of November.

On Wednesday, November 07, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover detectives arrested Jesse Allen Rittenhouse DOB, 03-31-79, 2211 Drexel Boulevard, Auburndale, charging him with 40 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

"We will be notifying Polk County residents about breaking news and emergency situations in their area, when those emergencies are occurring," said Sheriff Judd. "Public safety alerts will be sent straight to our resident's cell phones, and email addresses - and it's free, for us and for our community."

Eight stores were checked, one found not in compliance with Florida State Statues regarding the sale of alcohol to minors.

59-year-old William Lee McCallister, Ridge 3606 Ridge Lake Drive, Lake Wales, was booked into the Polk County Jail Tuesday, November 6, 2012, on 31 Counts of Possession of Child Pornography and Violation of Pre-trail Release Conditions.

Polk County Sheriff's Traffic Homicide deputies are investigating a vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter investigation that involved two vehicles on US Hwy 27 and Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven and resulted in the deaths of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. The suspect driver was charged with Vehicular Homicide, DUI manslaughter and several other charges.

“Today could have been a tragic day for the PCSO and the community of Mulberry,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Douglas E. Meadows was on a mission to kill deputies today but he did not succeed. With the great work of our deputies, SWAT members, and the partnership with the State Fire Marshal, Lt. Storie - a dedicated member of our PCSO family - is still with us.”

Sheriff Grady Judd announces today that the PCSO Cold Case Homicide Unit has solved a 1996 cold case homicide. Timothy Carey has been booked into the Polk County Jail for First Degree Murder, for killing Tommy Eugene Smith.

From October 30th to November 1st, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's undercover detectives conducted an operation in parks within Polk County. A total of four men were arrested for soliciting lewd acts, and four others were arrested on alcohol or drug charges.

Thanks to an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip, Polk County Sheriff's Robbery detectives have arrested a Lakeland man for the armed robbery at the CVS pharmacy in north Lakeland.

Sheriff Grady Judd announces today, Friday, October 26, 2012, the arrest of 39-year-old Christopher “Shane” Knight (AKA Christopher Shane Watson), DOB 9/20/1973, of 4367 Sun Center Road in Mulberry, in the death of his mother, Jahala Watson, and her unborn baby.

“We are saddened today by the loss of our valued PCSO agency member, Victor Lopez, who was killed in a traffic crash in Lake Wales while driving home from work this morning. We consider ourselves a family here at PCSO, and Victor’s loss is felt throughout the agency. Our thoughts and prayers are with Victor’s family during this tragic time.” – Sheriff Grady Judd

During a three-week statewide initiative, “Operation Felony Sweep,” the Polk County Sheriff’s Office made 806 Felony arrests. Of those arrested, 539 were as a result of Felony Probable Cause arrests, 355 outstanding Felony warrants, 439 were accompanying Misdemeanor charges, and seven charges which were either local ordinance violations or federal offenses. The initiative began September 28, 2012 and ran through October 22, 2012.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd invites citizens who are interested in volunteering to attend an upcoming information session regarding the new Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officer Program at the Sheriff’s Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven, on Monday and Tuesday, October 29th and 30th, or Thursday, November 1st, 2012.

The school crossing located at Lake Ruth Boulevard and Clower Street is no longer being utilized by elementary students walking to Floral Avenue Elementary School; therefore eliminating the need for the crossing guard at that location. This decision was made by the School Crossing Guard Committee, following a survey of the location and a confirmation that no children are crossing at that location during their walk to and from school. This committee is comprised of representatives from the School Board

On Monday, October 22, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted two “Pop Top” operations in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted throughout the county.

Polk County Sheriff's Robbery detectives arrested a Winter Haven man for robbery the day after the crime, thanks to a positive latent print identification.

THANKS TO ANONYMOUS TIPS FROM POLK COUNTY RESIDENTS, two Armed Robbery suspects were apprehended and booked into the Polk County Jail within 12 hours of robbing a BP gas station yesterday.

On Tuesday, October 16, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Fort Meade area.

On Sunday, October 7, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to several locations in the Poinciana area after receiving two calls of black bear sightings.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives have arrested 26-year-old Calvin Deon Jones, DOB 1/9/1986, of 157 Evergreen in Lake Wales. Jones was wanted for the Murder of Damien Rahim of Orlando.

On Friday, October 5, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives arrested 48-year-old Willie Sheppard, DOB 07/03/64, 2508 Old Hopewell Road, Plant City, in connection to the September 22, 2012, Armed Home Invasion at 4230 Highway 60, Mulberry.

A 21-year veteran Traffic deputy was injured while conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of I-4 near the CR 557 exit.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies have filed 17 additional charges against 23-year-old Javier Aguilar, formerly of 1906 8th Avenue East in Bradenton and most recently of 7701 Habersham Drive in Lakeland, after serving a search warrant at his Lakeland residence and his car. His girlfriend, 18-year-old Reyna Quintanar, who was staying in the house with him in Lakeland, was also charged.

“After eight years on the run, this suspect chose Polk County as a wrong place to hide,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. "The US Marshals were instrumental in locating the suspect and we will continue to work together in cases like this.” Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, working with the US Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force, arrested Timothy A. Fritch, a fugitive from justice for the past 8 years.

Cassidy Goodson was arrested late Thursday, September 27, 2012, and charged with Premeditated First Degree Murder, (Capital Felony) and Aggravated Child Abuse, (First Degree Felony.).

Rocker was booked into the Polk County Jail on no bond.

Sheriff Grady Judd reminds residents to continue to be alert and report any suspicious activity involving door-to-door solicitation of home repairs. These "traveling scam artists" are well-known throughout Florida and other states, and they especially prey on the elderly. Although there are several variations of the scam, there is one common theme - it sounds too good to be true (and probably is).

26-year-old Devin Kenneth Moon, 05-30-1986, 724 1/2 W Central Ave, Winter Haven, is charged with: Traveling to Meet a Minor (Attempted) (F2); Lewd or Lascivious Conduct (F2); Possession of Child Pornography (2 counts) (F3); Interference with Custody (F3); Use Computer Service to Seduce Solicit Entice (F3); Distributing Obscene Material to a Minor (F3); and Use Two- Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony (F3).

Ever run from the law? How about with the law? Well, if not, now’s your chance!

Sheriff Grady Judd is pleased to announce today the launching of a new Inmate Educational Program within the two Polk County Jails – Central County Jail in Bartow, and South County Jail in Frostproof – called “Keys to Staying Out of Jail.”

“In March, we told you this was only the beginning,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “We sent a clear message to all those connected to the Key Medical Clinic and its owner, Patricia ‘Trish’ Osbourn, we won’t tolerate illegal ‘pill mills’ in Polk County. We have now charged 13 additional suspects in this investigation, and identified 12 other suspects in Polk County who were ‘doctor shopping.’"

Polk County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are investigating the homicide of 37-year-old musician Damien "Khamelien" Rahim of 8040 Firenze Blvd in Orlando. They have a warrant for the arrest of Calvin Deon Jones in this case.

“This is a disturbing new twist on an old scam,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Instead of telling the potential victim their family member may need help, these criminals try to convince the victim their family members have been kidnapped and will be harmed unless the victim pays a ransom.”

On Thursday, September 6, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's Traffic Homicide deputies issued an arrest warrant for 34-year-old Gino Tutera of 4705 Josselin Place in Parrish, charging him with two counts Vehicular Homicide (F-2) in a traffic fatality that resulted in the deaths of two people in Frostproof on March 21, 2012.

On Friday, September 7, 2012, Ingram Harper was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in Orlando after troopers pulled Harper over and discovered he had a Polk County Warrant for his arrest.

On Thursday, September 5, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Fort Meade area.

On Thursday, September 6, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's Special Victims detectives arrested 36-year-old Dale Pennington of Haines City, and charged him with 16 counts Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor; 15 counts Use of Computer to Seduce a Child; 15 counts Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device; and 1 count Traveling to Meet a Minor.

On Wednesday, September 5, 2012, PCSO detectives, working with Department of Health Inspectors and the Office of State Attorney Jerry Hill (10th Judicial Circuit), arrested 80-year-old William Johnson, DDS, owner of the Sonrise Dental Clinic, and charged him with a 3rd degree Felony – Knowingly Overprescribing Controlled Narcotics.

In two separate, unrelated, undercover investigations, PCSO narcotics detectives arrested two Polk County pharmacists for Trafficking in Prescription Drugs.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Section confirmed today, Friday, August 31, 2012, the seventh positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2012.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrest 89 suspects during on-line prostitution investigation – Arrests include the Kathleen High School principal (Cecil Edward McClellan), three women who traveled to the area to make money in “adult entertainment” during the RNC, a local Winter Haven businessman, and an Orlando man who traveled to Polk County with the intent of having sex with a child.

Three people were arrested this week for their involvement in the ongoing statewide trend, known to law enforcement agencies as "Felony Lane."

There seems to be no end to these criminals who steal identities and file fraudulent tax returns. Since our initial ‘Stop the Drop’ investigation earlier this year, we continue to work with IRS investigators and local banks to investigate and arrest these thieves. We urge everyone to guard your personal identification closely—crooks are actively looking to steal your identity and then defraud the taxpayers.

Sheriff Grady Judd is warning residents to be aware of a new scam that the Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeing reported -- the scam is fraudulently using the "Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes" name to victimize the elderly.

Sheriff Grady Judd reminds Polk County residents that public schools are back in session Monday, August 20, 2012. The amount of vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic on our roadways will dramatically increase during early morning and after-school hours.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement agencies are partnering with agencies across the state to combat this trend. Our goal is to educate the public about the trend, and to issue a warning to people everywhere - DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PURSES OR PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN YOUR CARS!

Crime in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office primary law enforcement response area is down 8.48% in the first six months of 2012 compared to the first six months of 2011. Part of that reduction is due to violent crimes decreasing 17.1%.

On Tuesday, August 14, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit detectives arrested 24-year-old Pablo Garcia-Sanchez of Mulberry and charged him with 50 counts Lewd Battery On A Minor Under 16 Years of Age, one count Interference With Child Custody, and one count Sheltering An Unmarried Minor, for an ongoing sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl who ran away from home in Kernersville, North Carolina to be with him.

On Sunday, August 12, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 54-year-old Oliver “Dan” Durfey, of 669 Deauville Court in Kissimmee, for one count Scheming to Defraud (F-1), one count Grand Theft (F-2), and one count Illegal Use of a Credit Card (F-3).

48-year-old Robert Allan Stafford of 6223 Alabama Ave., Lakeland was arrested and charged with 60 counts of Possession of Obscene Material/of Sexual Conduct/Performance by a Child (child pornography—F.S. 827.071(5))—F-2. Each charge is a 2nd degree felony.

During a joint investigation, on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s detectives and Haines City Police detectives arrested two men and two women in the homicide of 36-year-old Homero Arteaga.

On Monday, August 6, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's Homicide detectives arrested 25-year-old Edwin Cruz Vargas (DOB 9/18/1986) of 111 Oleander Avenue in Auburndale and charged him with one count Aggravated Child Abuse and one count Negligent Manslaughter Of A Child in the death of his 11-month-old stepson.

On Tuesday morning, July 31, 2012, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was elected to serve as the 2012-2013 Florida Sheriff’s Association Vice President. He was installed Tuesday night during the closing ceremony of the FSA Annual Conference, held in Kissimmee, Florida. Sheriff Judd will hold the FSA Vice President position for one year.

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), program will visit the Polk County Sheriff’s Office next week to examine various aspects of agency policy and procedures, management, operations, and other support services, Sheriff Grady Judd announced today.

42-year-old David Scheib, a United States Postal Worker (Florence Villa Post Office), who is currently on felony probation for unauthorized computer access, was arrested Wednesday (07/18/12), and charged with 50 counts of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Violation of Probation. The probation is related to a plea bargain for a prior arrest on 6/16/09 for Possession of Child Pornography. Scheib resides at 4779 Elon Crescent, Lakeland.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies, members of the PCSO Dive Team, a K-9 team, and Crime Prevention members will appear at the Chick-Fil-A restaurant located at 4625 South Florida Avenue on Tuesday, July 17th, to raise money for the United Way.

Polk County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives, through the use of dental records, have positively identified the victim in the suspicious death incident in Polk City yesterday, as 20-year-old Laura Michelle Hunt, DOB 5/18/1992, of 1308 Whitehurst Road in Plant City. Her death has been ruled a homicide, and her ex-boyfriend has been arrested and charged with First Degree Murder.

Two Lakeland women charged with Grand Theft in an investigation in which stolen property was sold online.

On Wednesday, July 4, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's Special Victims Unit detectives arrested 32-year-old David Lee Sinnett, and 29-year-old Arlene Tinson of 2765 Holly Lane in Bartow, for Aggravated Child Abuse and Child Neglect.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2012, several suspects were taken into custody by PCSO Robbery detectives for their involvement in multiple crimes against one victim, a 68-year-old female.

On Thursday, June 28, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s detectives, Bartow Police Officers, and members of the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, served four search warrants and arrested 30 suspects in the Bartow area, during Operation City Sweep. Detectives are still actively searching for nine more suspects who have warrants for drug-related charges.

Sheriff Grady Judd is warning residents to be aware of a new scam that the Polk County Sheriff's Office and several other local law enforcement agencies are seeing reported -- a payday loan telephone collection scam.

From Saturday evening, through Sunday morning, June 16-17, 2012, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has received three drowning related calls for service involving small children.

From Friday, June 1st, through Sunday, June 10th, 2012, a total of 38 adult males were arrested and charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex and other crimes during Operation Cyber Child, an extensive undercover operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, as the Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Coordinator.

“This is a tragic and painful investigation. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of the Bramlage family.” –Sheriff Grady Judd

A black 2012 Challenger with a sliver racing stripe on the middle and an orange Jeep Wrangler with a black top was stolen from Sorensen Chevrolet (Lake Wales PD case) at approximately 1:30 a.m. early Saturday morning (06/02/12).

On Wednesday, May 30, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's detectives arrested 46-year-old Stacey Sumner of Lakeland for forging prescriptions at her father's dental clinic to support her addiction.

On Thursday, May 31, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven area.

School Crossing Guards to be Removed from Three Lakeland Locations

Polk County Sheriff's detectives are conducting a death investigation in Winter Haven this morning, Sunday, May 27, 2012, involving the fatal shooting of a suspicious intruder by the homeowner victim.

On Thursday, May 24, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Mulberry area.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested two Lake Wales men shortly after they illegally trapped and killed a 9.5 foot long alligator at the Eagle Ridge Mall.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies have arrested five teens and obtained a warrant for a sixth after they beat up a Lake Wales teen and his father.

34-year-old Teno Dawson struck his girlfriend after an altercation between the two.

Polk County Sheriff's detectives arrested 32-year-old Elmer Kitchen and his 33-year-old fiancee Mary Holland of Davenport for stealing and pawning $50,000 worth of gold coins from Kitchen's elderly grandfather.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Executive Staff members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will recognize law enforcement, detention, civilian, and volunteer members of the agency today, Thursday, May 24, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City, at the 2012 PCSO Annual Awards ceremony On hand to help recognize these members will be county elected officials and administrators, and other special dignitaries.

In the continue effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer (Explorers are high school student volunteers), Polk County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputies conducted Operation Pop Top on Thursday, May 17, 2012.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the sixth positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2012.

On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, Orlando Police Officers and Orange County Sheriff's deputies located Jarol Santiago, DOB 2/16/1972, who was the boyfriend of murder victim Diana Mercado and had a Polk County Sheriff's warrant for his arrest. PCSO Homicide detectives brought Santiago to PCSO and interviewed him, and placed him under arrest for First Degree Murder.

Polk County Sheriff's detectives are investigating the death of a Polk County Jail inmate that occurred this morning, Saturday, May 12, 2012.

On Thursday, May 10, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's detectives arrested 33-year-old John Robert Browning, DOB 12/20/1978, of 4000 Shady Hammock Drive in Mulberry, after he attempted to get the Mosaic Corporation to pay him thousands of dollars for a digital media card he claimed had incriminating photos on it.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Identity Theft Task Force detectives have arrested 19 suspects who have defrauded local taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is an ongoing investigation. Detectives have discovered 399 fraudulent identities and uncovered $475,995.66 that had been fraudulently obtained from the IRS.

“Our message is very clear-if there is anyone who has ever been a victim of crimes such as this, regardless of when it may have occurred, we will always investigate the case, and we will always seek justice for our victims,” Sheriff Grady Judd.

In the continue effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer (Explorers are high school student volunteers), Polk County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputies conducted Operation Pop Top on Thursday, May 3, 2012. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven area of Polk County.

A joint investigation involving the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central Florida HIDTA Task Force (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas), and the Drug Enforcement Administration has resulted in multiple federal indictments by the United States Attorney’s Office (Middle District of Florida) and the arrests today of 15 individuals with Polk County ties. (See below information for names and charges.) The detectives were working as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force targeting a major cri

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Friday, May 4, 2012, the fifth positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2012.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, May 2, 2012, the fourth positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2012.

On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, PCSO Vice detectives conducted an undercover operation at the Saddle Creek Park located on Morgan Combee Road between Lakeland and Winter Haven in response to complaints of lewd activity taking place there, resulting in seven arrests.

Detectives are releasing the following information regarding the homicide investigation of 33-year-old Diana Mercado who was last seen early Saturday, April 28, 2012, as she left the home she shares with her boyfriend, her mother, and her sister, to go to work at the north Lakeland Dunkin' Donuts on U.S. 98 North.

Polk County Sheriff's Homicide deputies arrested 23-year-old Christopher Chase Whaley (DOB 9/30/1988) on Sunday, April 29, 2012, and charged him with First Degree Murder in the stabbing death of his 69-year-old grandmother, Barbara Denmark, in Lake Wales.

In the continue effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer (Explorers are high school student volunteers), Polk County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputies conducted Operation Pop Top on Thursday, April 26, 2012. The operation was conducted in the Lakeland and Mulberry areas of Polk County.

On Friday, April 27, 2012, Polk County Sheriff's undercover detectives served a search warrant at the 34th Street Mart located at 1915 34th street in Winter Haven, and arrested the owner, Ashraf Ali Abukhdeir (DOB 3/28/1976, of 17252 Madison Green Drive in Tampa) for Sale of Synthetic Cannaboids and other charges. During the execution of the search warrant, 32 packs of "K-2" were located and seized.

In observance of 2012 National Police Week, May 13 -19, 2012, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Polk County Lodge #46 and the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund (PCLEMF), Inc., will conduct the 25th Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Thursday, May 10, 2012, 10:00 a.m., at the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial in Lakeland Veterans Memorial Park. The park is located on Lime Street, between Lake Beulah Drive and the west side of the Lakeland Center.

Polk County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit detectives, working with prosecutors from the State Attorney’s Office 10th Judicial Circuit (Jerry Hill), agents from the Department of Law Enforcement, and deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 67-year-old Robert Joseph “Joe” Gallager, DOB 5/15/1944, of 702 North E Street in Lake Worth, on Friday, April 20, 2012, after a Polk County grand jury indicted him on two child sex abuse charges stemming from crimes he committed 43 years ago.

Polk County Sheriff's and Lake Wales Police detectives, working with the Broward County Sheriff's Office, positively identified and served arrest warrants on two men responsible for residential burglaries and check forging in Lake Wales.

PCSO deputies and Auburndale Police Officers arrested two juveniles early this morning, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, and charged them with multiple charges, including Burglary and Arson. Both are repeat offenders and one was violating his probation when they went on their mini-crime spree.

On Thursday, April 12, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Lakeland area.

On Wednesday, April 11, 2012, PCSO Vice detectives conducted an undercover operation at the Saddle Creek Park located on Morgan Combee Road between Lakeland and Winter Haven in response to complaints of lewd activity taking place there.(The most recent operation at the same park for the same type of arrests took place on February 3, 2012, and resulted in eight arrests by PCSO.)

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies have made two arrests in a fatal traffic crash investigation that occurred on December 15, 2011. According to the affidavits, around 4:00 a.m. that morning, Jesus Marti was operating a semi tractor-trailer in Lake Wales when he stopped at a railroad crossing that had its barriers down and lights flashing in the eastbound lane of S.R. 60 just west of West Lake Wales Road. A Kia SUV slammed into the trailer, killing the passenger.

64-year-old Barbara Scott DOB 07/02/1947, of 200 S. Goodman Avenue, Lake Alfred, has been charged with 1st Degree Murder in the death of her 78-year-old husband, Benny Scott.

“Those who solicit for prostitution should take note,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “We will not tolerate prostitution in Polk County. The negative social costs of prostitution hurt families, children and communities. Our detectives will continue to conduct these investigations - prostitution and solicitation for prostitution is a crime, you will be arrested and you will go to jail.”

On Tuesday, April 3, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Special Victims detectives arrested 44-year-old Leonard Richard Filipkowski (DOB 9/11/1967) of 1450 Royal Forest Lane in Lakeland and have charged him thus far with 9 counts Lewd and Lascivious Molestation On a Victim Under 16 Years of Age, and 11 counts Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition In The Presence Of A Child.

Sheriff Grady Judd and Polk County Sheriff’s Identity Theft Task Force detectives have received several reports recently concerning a new and serious real estate scam utilizing the free online advertising service “Craigslist.”

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Tuesday, March 20, 2012, the third positive Rabies case in Polk County so far this year.

In the continue effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors, utilizing an underage person, Polk County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputies conducted Operation Pop Top on two separate days checking a total of 19 stores throughout Polk County.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, March 14, 2012, the second positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2012.

“In less than two weeks, on two separate weekends, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested a total of 66 people charging them with Solicitation of Prostitution and other crimes,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Our detectives will continue to conduct investigations which target e-commerce ads for prostitution. Prostitution is illegal and those who commit or who derive proceeds from this crime in Polk County can expect to go to jail.”

On March 9, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives arrested Tiffany Olaitan, DOB 11/02/71, 1096 Care Free Cove Drive, Winter Haven, and charged her in connection to the on-going investigation surrounding a large-scale pain pill trafficking ring dismantled on March 6, 2012. Olaitan is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Oxycodone Excess of Two Hundred Grams.

On Thursday, March 8, 2012, PCSO Bureau of Special Investigations undercover detectives, working with agents from the Florida Department of Insurance Fraud, arrested 39-year-old Keith Allen Judge, DOB 9/8/1972, of 5309 Nichols Road in Lakeland, after Judge arranged to have his truck stolen so that he could collect insurance money for it.

"I commend the businesses and conscientious store clerks who were in compliance with this latest Operation Pop Top," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "We conduct operations such as these to send a message to the community that we will not tolerate the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to minors."

Polk County Sheriff's Special Victims Unit detectives arrested a husband and wife on March 8, 2012, and charged both with Aggravated Child Abuse for making a 13-year-old boy who they had access to kneel on his knees on a hard floor for nine hours a day several days in a row.

Polk County Sheriff’s detectives working with agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and representatives from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) arrested eight people, served five search warrants, and dismantled a large-scale pain pill trafficking ring in Polk County on March 6, 2012.

At approximately 8:15 pm, on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of a woman being forced into a car against her will.

“The negative social costs of prostitution hurt families, children and communities,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Whether it is on the street, or online, it is illegal and we will continue to arrest those who commit or derive proceeds from prostitution. We will continue to target online escort services that promote prostitution, and as long as these sites provide the means for prostitution to occur, we will provide the trip to jail.”

“This is another example of the dangers our deputies face on a daily basis,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Deputy Durrance responded to a call for help and faced an armed and dangerous suspect instead. This very violent and unstable man intended to harm himself and anyone who tried to stop him.”

Polk County Sheriff's Environmental Crimes deputies, working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), arrested two men on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, after locating over 8,000 tires they had gathered as part of their business and then illegally dumped in Lake Wales.

First quarter fiscal year costs reported; $413,023 compared to DJJ estimated cost of $1,024,271.30.

Polk County Sheriff's Homicide detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. A Lakeland woman killed her one-year-old baby boy and has been charged with First Degree Murder.

Polk County's crime rate in the unincorporated areas and contract cities[i] (for which the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is responsible) dropped from 2010 to 2011, according to the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) statistics reported annually to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the death of a Polk County inmate that occurred today, Sunday, February 12, 2012, at Bartow Regional Medical Center.

On February 10, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to Lake Gibson High School, 7007 North Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, after learning a 16-year-old female student had smoked K-2 on campus, collapsed and become incoherent. She was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where she was treated and eventually released.

At a ceremony today at the Florida State Capital, Attorney General Pam Bondi presented Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Michael Braswell the 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

PCSO detectives arrested two women on Friday, February 3, 2012, who worked for Jack’s Insurance, Inc., in Lakeland after investigation revealed that together they stole over $422,000 from the company.

On Thursday, February 2, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven area of Polk County.

On Thursday, February 2, 2012, PCSO undercover Tactical Drug Unit detectives received a tip of a possible grow house located at 9621 Highway 33 North in Polk City. Upon their arrival, as they approached the house on foot, detectives could smell a strong odor of raw cannabis (marijuana) emanating from within.

Polk County Sheriff's detectives are investigating the death of a Polk County inmate that occurred this morning, February 3, 2012, at Bartow Regional Medical Center.

On Friday, February 3, 2012, PCSO Vice detectives conducted an undercover operation at the Saddle Creek Park located on Morgan Combee Road between Lakeland and Winter Haven in response to complaints of lewd activity taking place there.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture detectives identified two suspects responsible for the December grand theft of cattle from a pasture in Polk City.

In September 2007, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was named the Central Florida* Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Coordinator. Over the years, the task force has grown – as of January 2012, representatives from forty-seven (47) local, state, and federal agencies have joined the task force, and each of them has shared and gained valuable experience and knowledge in the realm of Internet crimes against children.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives today arrested Kristian C. Brooks-Marlar of 2339 View Way in Lakeland for the beating death of Matthew Ross McCraney of 4630 Swindell Road in Lakeland. The death occurred in the early morning hours of January 29, 2012, in Lakeland.

Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives are asking the public's help with providing information on two separate personal robberies that maybe related. The robberies occurred at the rest stop located on I-4 Westbound Lane on mile marker 46 near Polk City.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested four men at two convenience store locations for selling synthetic cannabinoid substances, often referred to as “K-2.” The two convenience stores are: The Beverage Castle, 525 S. Lake Shore Way, Lake Alfred and The Sunoco Superway #6 Store at 201 Dundee Road, Dundee. Detectives responded to the stores based on information provided by citizens (Sunoco Superway, Dundee) and by the Lake Alfred Police Department (Beverage Castle, Lake Alfred).

On January 25, 2012, PCSO Vice detectives conducted an undercover operation at the Peace River Park located on SR 640 in the Homeland area. During the operation, male detectives made contact with various men in the park, four of whom exposed themselves to the detectives and/or asked the detectives to perform sex acts on them.

Sheriff Grady Judd is pleased to announce that during 2010 and 2011, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit successfully cleared every case it was assigned to investigate. The number of homicides in the Sheriff’s Office’s jurisdiction in 2011 was 12; the number of homicides in 2010 was also 12. The homicides are reported annually to FDLE as a part of the annual collection of UCR crime statistics.

On Thursday, January 19, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Haines City and Davenport areas.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Thursday, January 19, 2012, the first positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2012.

The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) named Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Jonathan Bowman as the State’s 2012 Corrections Officer of the Year Award during its Mid-Winter Conference held in Jacksonville, January 15-18, 2012. The award was presented Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

Polk County Sheriff's Traffic deputies arrested a Lakeland woman today on a warrant charging her in the death of a bicyclist in June 2011.

On Friday, January 13, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 21-year-old Kenneth Alan Congdon, Jr., (DOB 11.15.1990) 658 Hart Lake Drive, Winter Haven for Leaving the Scene of a Crash with a Death. It has been determined that Congdon on November 13, 2011 at approximately 1:51 a.m. was operating a 2006 GMC Truck that violated the right-of-way of Timmy Alan Kelly, who was riding a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle causing a crash on Cypress Gardens Road near Tyler Road in Winter Haven.

On Friday, January 13, 2012, Sheriff Grady Judd presented certificates of completion to eleven people – ten men and one woman – after they each completed the rigorous PCSO SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) training school.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover detectives, with the assistance of officers from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Florida Department of Financial Services, and the Florida Highway Patrol, working with prosecutors from the State Attorney’s Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit, conducted a proactive investigation targeting fraudulent businesses attempting to conduct unlicensed and uninsured construction related work in Polk County.

On Saturday, January 7, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 22-year-old Steven Matthew Nixon, 920 Southwest 6th Street, Gainesville, for Traveling to Polk County to have sex with a 14-year-old child.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men wanted for occupied burglaries in the Four Corners area of Polk County just minutes after they committed one.

The owner of the Hollywood Liquor store located at 114 Polo Park Blvd in Davenport, and some “good Samaritans” in the area, fought back against an armed robbery suspect and held the man until law enforcement arrived to take him into custody.

On Thursday, January 5, 2012, PCSO deputies and agents assigned to the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force (FRFTF) apprehended a Miami man wanted for escaping the Miami-Dade North Work Release Program on December 31, 2011.

At approximately 11:40 p.m. last night, January 2, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies working in the northwest district interrupted a burglary in progress that was occurring at a Progress Energy Substation in North Lakeland. Three Tampa men were arrested—they were in the process of stealing copper wire.

On Monday, December 26, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven area.

Polk County Sheriff's Northwest General Crimes Unit (GCU) detectives, who have been working around the clock following up leads from the public about the "Grinch" who stole a Toys for Tots box full of toys from a Polk City Hungry Howie's, have positively identified and charged the suspect, who was already in the Polk County Jail.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies and detectives assigned to the Southeast District, which is responsible for patrolling and investigating crimes in the unincorporated southeast Winter Haven, Wahneta, Eloise, and Lake Wales areas, and in the cities of Dundee, Eagle Lake and Frostproof, have pooled their hard-earned money together to help provide some Christmas cheer to a Frostproof woman and her two children after a Grinch-like burglar stole all of the presents from under their tree.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes detectives posing as children arrested seven men charging them with Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex (and related crimes). The men are from Lakeland (2), Lake Wales, Kissimmee, Perry, Casselberry, and St. Augustine.

Polk County Sheriff's Office Traffic deputies are investigating a traffic crash involving a Polk County Sheriff’s Office agency vehicle that was hit by a DUI suspect. The crash occurred on Sunday, December 18, 2011 on the intersection of Winter Lake Road and King Road, Winter Haven.

Today, Jarvis Lamot Young (DOB 09.09.1983), of 2825 Moonlight Cove Lane (Apt 101), Lakeland, was arrested and taken into custody by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives for Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Battery by a Person in Authority.

At approximately 4:30 am, Saturday, December 17, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 40-year-old Arnold Maurice Mathis, 2705 Avenue I NW, Winter Haven, charging him with Sexual Battery on a 14-year-old child.

As part of an undercover investigation of illegal drug transactions of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Oxycodone, and Marijuana involving street- and mid-level drug dealers throughout Polk County, on Thursday, December 15, 2011, undercover officers, deputies and detectives assigned to the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force, along with support from several other PCSO units, participated in a proactive enforcement initiative in the Lakeland, Bartow, Auburndale, and Wahneta areas of Polk County.

Beginning on December 1 and ending December 3, 2011, undercover PCSO detectives assigned to the Vice, Gang, Computer Crimes, Tactical Drug, and Crime Suppression Units conducted a proactive operation targeting online prostitution.

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, starting at 11:00 a.m., the residents at Sanlan RV Park, located at 3929 US Hwy 98 South in Lakeland, will partner once again with Polk County Sheriff's COPS (Community Oriented Policing) Southwest district deputies to bring some Christmas cheer to over 50 children, during the annual Southwest COPS – Sanlan Ranch Christmas party.

On Thursday, December 1, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Bartow and Fort Meade areas of Polk County.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Section is once again hosting its annual Pet Fest from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at the facility, located on 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven in Winter Haven just off the Polk Parkway near the Polk County landfill.

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011, PCSO deputies, including a K-9 team, and detectives and agents assigned to the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force (FRFTF) apprehended three men wanted for escaping the Craighead County Jail in Jonesboro, Arkansas last week (November 23rd).

The Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, November 30, 2011, the fifth positive rabies case in Polk County this year.

On November 21, 2011 members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes and Identity Theft Units assisted the Fairfax County Virginia Police Department by executing a search warrant at a residence on 35th St NW, Winter Haven.

In response to tips from residents in Haines City about gang and drug activity, on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, Haines City Police officers, deputies and detectives from the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force, and the PCSO Gang Unit, participated in a joint proactive enforcement initiative in the Haines City area. A total of 38 arrests were made for a wide variety of crimes. During the initiative, detectives identified five documented gang members, and seized drugs and weapons.

As a result of a traffic stop on Thursday, November 3, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a stolen laptop computer and arrested four people, one of which was a 31-year-old repeat offender with a lengthy criminal arrest history.

On October 31, 2011, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary and theft which had occurred at 1224 SR 60 West in Lake Wales.

45-year-old Byron Glover, DOB 08/22/1966, 2041 Argonaut Rd, Avon Park, is charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery, and Resisting without Violence, in connection to a late night Armed Robber which occurred in Frostproof.

On Thursday, October 27, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the south Lakeland and Bartow areas of Polk County.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office needs your help in a Missing Person Cold Case investigation. Clifton Patrick Leonard, aka, Clif, was reported missing by his mother on August 24, 1983.

A Lithia man was arrested on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, on a Polk County warrant on several charges stemming from a September, 2010 traffic fatality.

On Thursday, October 20, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Bartow and Lakeland areas of Polk County.

Sheriff Grady Judd is pleased to report that crime in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office primary law enforcement response area1 is down 4.14% in the first six months of 2011 compared to the first six months of 2010.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is hosting three events in the upcoming days for three great causes.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven and Eagle Lake areas of Polk County.

Polk County Juvenile Detention Facility Safe, Secure, & Cost Effective Polk Taxpayers to save $7 million to $10 million over five years.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives, assisting the Haines City Police Department in a Robbery Homicide, have arrested 28-year-old Jacroy Shamar Waddell, DOB 11/28/1982, of Haines City. Waddell is charged with Robbery and First Degree Murder in the shooting death of 20-year-old Jaime Magana, Jr.

Jadarius Latra Wilson, DOB 12/10/91, 2204 Navel Circle N. Haines City, the second suspect wanted in the Haines City Robbery Homicide, is now in custody. He will be booked into the Polk County Jail later this evening, Sunday, October 9, 2011.

PCSO's newest canine, Kony, who belongs to veteran K-9 Deputy Sheriff Kurt Walker, made his first apprehension last night just minutes after a car was stolen in Lakeland. Their apprehension was the fourth PCSO K-9 apprehension in a 24-hour period.

On Thursday, September 29, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven area.

The crossing located at Boys Club Road and Havendale Boulevard, Winter Haven, is no longer being consistently utilized by elementary students walking to Garner Elementary, therefore eliminating the need for the guard.

The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute announces the graduation of Lieutenant Kimberley Marcum of the Polk County Sheriff's Office from the 14th Class of the Senior Leadership Program on September 15, 2011, at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Headquarters in Tallahassee.

On Thursday, September 15, 2011 Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, conducted “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. All stores checked were found to be in compliance.

On Friday, September 16, 2011, Mr. Robert Groover, who has been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for ten-and-a-half years, was recognized by the Suncoast Crime Prevention Association and awarded the “Art Walls Award.” This award is given annually to recognize a member of the association who portrays a level of dedication to the field of crime prevention and commitment to their home community.

On Tuesday, September 13, 20111, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Fraud detectives arrested 41-year-old Cathy L. McClain, 605 Sunway Lane, Winter Haven, charging her with the ID Theft, Over 30 Victims.

At approximately 1:30 am, on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered a methamphetamine lab at 5115 Misty Lake Drive, Mulberry.

On Thursday, September 8, 2011 Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies conducted Operation Pop Top.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Mulberry man on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, and charged him with 1 count Attempted Murder - Domestic Violence, 1 count Aggravated Assault of LEO, and 1 count Animal Cruelty Causing Death, after he used an 8-inch long butcher knife to stab his live-in girlfriend and his dog, severely wounding his girlfriend and killing the dog.

Polk County Sheriff's detectives, with cooperation from the Gainesville Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), arrested a Gainesville man for cyberstalking after investigation revealed he hacked into a Polk County woman's email and Facebook accounts.

On Wednesday, September 7, 2011, PCSO Agricultural Crimes deputies arrested a Lake Wales couple and PCSO Animal Control Officers removed 84 animals from their home after investigation revealed the animals were in the home without adequate food and water.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is assisting the Auburndale Police Department this morning in reference to an APD officer who was shot Friday evening, September 2, 2011.

The following is an update to the incident that occurred on September 2, 2011, during which an Auburndale Police Officer was shot.

On September 1, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's Robbery detectives, assisted by Southeast District patrol deputies, identified and arrested two men just after they committed an armed home invasion on an elderly couple in Davenport.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, August 31, 2011, the third positive rabies case in Polk County this year.

A Lakeland woman's stolen pit bull puppies were found soon after her daughter posted the information on her Facebook page.

Thanks to a valuable partnership between TECO (Tampa Electric Company) and the Polk County Sheriff's Office, a sophisticated marijuana grow operation was discovered and dismantled in Auburndale.

On Wednesday, August 24, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested the suspect known as the "clumsy beer thief" who tripped and fell on his baggy pants when he attempted to steal beer from a convenience store, and charged him with one count of Petit Theft. The suspect was positively identified via the suspect vehicle seen in the surveillance video from the store.

After a four-month long investigation, on August 18, 2011, PCSO undercover Narcotics, Tactical Drug, and Intelligence Unit detectives, along with members from the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, served two search warrants and arrested two suspects when they attempted to sell detectives 10 ounces of cocaine for $11,000, and arrested five additional suspects throughout the course of the day.

Sheriff Grady Judd reminds Polk County residents that public schools are back in session Monday, August 22, 2011.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, August 17, 2011, the second positive rabies case in Polk County this year.

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant today, August 15, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at “The Horseshoe,” located at 150 California Blvd in Davenport, Florida.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested four Lakeland teens and charged each with Burglary, Battery, and Robbery, after investigation revealed they beat up and robbed a Hungry Howie's delivery man.

On Tuesday morning, August 2, 2011, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was elected to serve as the 2011-2012 Florida Sheriff’s Association Secretary.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Steven Owen Rigney, 103 Conch Way, Poinciana, on Tuesday, August 02, 2011, charging Rigney with Cultivation of Cannabis, Possession of Cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell, Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Residence for Drug Manufacturing, and Possession of Cocaine.

Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. (PSCI) was officially formed in December of 2006, as a result of the tragic murder of D/S Matt Williams and K-9 Diogi after a routine traffic stop. The community’s outpouring of emotional and monetary support after that tragic event ultimately demonstrated how a charity like PSCI would be supported. One goal of PSCI is to annually fund scholarships for eligible high school seniors

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Greater Mulberry Chamber of Commerce are partnering together to ensure needy children in the Mulberry school district will not go without school supplies this upcoming school year.

On Saturday, July 16, 2011, Western Australia Police took 53-year-old Christopher Lobban, into custody without incident at his home located at Contour Drive, Mullaloo, Australia, on a Polk County (FL) provisional warrant for 2 counts Promotion of Sexual Performance of a Child, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Child Abuse by Malicious Punishment, and 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Lewd/Lascivious Battery on a Victim 12-16 Years of Age.

On Thursday, July 14, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers conducted "Operation Pop Top" in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in Lakeland.

Sheriff Grady Judd announced today during a budget presentation to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners that the Polk County Jail would no longer provide free underwear to male inmates booked into the jail. The move will save an estimated $45,000 per year in operation costs.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Haines City Police Officer 25-year-old Demetrius Lamar Condry, today, Thursday, July 14, 2011, in connection to a Prostitution business operated by 27-year-old Paul Rosoan Aaron, 412 N. 6th Street, Haines City.

A former Polk County Probation and Parole officer was arrested today, Wednesday, July 13, 2011, after investigation revealed he took money from and falsified documents in reference to probationers he was supervising, without their knowledge.

Detectives learned that Manieri had registered as a guest at the Days Inn Hotel located at 9240 Highway 192 Davenport with his ex-wife and their two children.

A burglary in progress in Lake Wales last evening ended in a fatal shooting when the son-in-law of the homeowner whose home was being burglarized was surprised by two suspects leaving the home having broken into it.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies don’t just fight crime and arrest criminals – they are first responders, often the first personnel on the scene of tragedy. Here is just one example of the many ways PCSO deputies go above and beyond the law enforcement call of duty.

A total of 33 people have been arrested after a 14-month-long investigation into one of Polk County’s largest heroin trafficking organizations in Polk County history.

In response to citizen complaints about prostitutes soliciting patrons and customers of businesses in the area of 5600 New Tampa Hwy in Lakeland, on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, the PCSO Vice Unit, with assistance from other PCSO undercover detectives, conducted an investigation targeting prostitutes. In all, undercover PCSO detectives arrested 11 women for Solicitation of Prostitution, and arrested 3 other suspects on various charges.

On Tuesday, June 7, 2011, just after midnight, a man positively identified as the suspect responsible for eight home invasions and/or occupied burglaries in the north Lakeland area was shot and killed by PCSO deputies after he pointed a handgun at the deputies and refused to surrender.

On Friday, June 3, 2011, PCSO Traffic deputies arrested a Lake Wales woman and charged her with 1 count Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, and 1 count Destroying/Tampering WIth Physical Evidence, after investigation revealed that over a year ago she struck a pedestrian in Gordonville and then fled the scene. The pedestrian suffered critical wounds, which led to his death 8 months later.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Executive Staff members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will recognize law enforcement, detention, civilian, and volunteer members of the agency on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven at the 2011 PCSO Annual Awards ceremony, for their exemplary efforts made last year.

Sheriff Grady Judd is pleased to announce 33-year-old PCSO Deputy Sheriff Mike Braswell, an 11-year veteran of the agency, was named a National Association of Police Organizations' (NAPO) TOP COP.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested two juveniles on May 10, 2011, for Aggravated Battery on an Education Employee, after they pushed and repeatedly punched a school bus driver.

From Monday, April 18, through Sunday, May 8, 2011, a total of 22 adult men were arrested and charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex (and related crimes) during an extensive undercover operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

On Tuesday, April 26, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers (Explorers are high school student volunteers) conducted "Operation Pop Top" in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in north Lakeland.

The suspects were charged with multiple counts of Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Grand Theft and Petit Theft.

In an undercover investigation targeting online adult ads, which began Monday, April 11, 2011, and through Sunday, April 17, 2011, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 60 suspects, both male and female, and charged them with either Soliciting another for Prostitution, Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution, or Aiding and Abetting Prostitution. Additional charges included Drug Possession and Violation of Probation.

At approximately 12:30 pm today, Friday, April 15, 2011, in a parking lot on Havendale Boulevard and 42nd NW Street in Winter Haven, Polk County Sheriff’s Office tactical drug unit detectives arrested 50-year-old Sherry Garrett, DOB 11/4/60, 3820 Avenue T NW, Winter Haven. Garrett was charged with the Illegal Sale of Prescription Drugs.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Southeast District, General Crimes Unit detectives arrested two juveniles responsible for a series of burglaries which took place at the Bok Academy (Lake Wales Charter School) and Warner University.

Polk County Sheriff's Traffic deputies arrested a Lakeland woman today after they received from FDLE the lab results which showed that the at-fault driver in a traffic fatality had a blood alcohol content of 0.159, nearly twice the legal limit.

In Bethesda, Maryland, on Saturday, March 26, 2011, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received the CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program prestigious Flagship Agency designation.

Deputy Sheriff Mike Braswell, who was shot in the line of duty on June 25, 2010, along with his zone partner Deputy Sheriff Paul Fairbanks, has been nominated for America's Most Wanted All Star Award.

On Sunday, December 12, 2010, 15-year PCSO veteran Sgt. Wes Whitmore died in the line of duty when he and his patrol car were struck by an out-of-control SUV that careened through the parking lot of the 7-11 store located at 4000 Recker Hwy, where Sgt. Whitmore had just made a traffic stop. Together, deputies and 7-11 employees came up with a way to honor Wes' memory.

On Wednesday, March 30, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers conducted "Operation Pop Top" in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in Bartow and Fort Meade.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has the following information to release in regards to severe weather in Polk County.

On Tuesday, March 29, 2011, PCSO deputies responded to the home of Tara Romonoski to check on her well-being at her family's request. Tara was found inside deceased, and her boyfriend, Donald Failey, Jr., was arrested for her murder.

On March 30, 2011, George "Georgie" Pizano, Jr., Charles "Casper" Harrison, and Omero Penaloza were federally charged and will be sent to federal prison for 20 years, followed by 10 years of probation.

On Friday, March 25, 2011, PCSO deputies and undercover detectives conducted a county-wide PROCAP (Proactive Community Attack on Problems) initiative. A total of 108 arrests were made county-wide during this initiative: 71 arrests were made on the west side of the county, and 37 arrests on the east side.

At the November Florida Animal Control Association (FACA) Educational Conference, the PCSO Animal Control facility was named the 2010 Agency of the Year.

.As you know, PCSO lost a great sergeant, mentor, and friend, on December 12, 2010, when Sgt. Wes Whitmore died in the line of duty during a traffic stop in Winter Haven. Now deputies are organizing a softball tournament to honor Wes and to raise money for his family.

Miranda Trail dogs, along with other available pets, will available for adoption on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the PCSO Animal Control Section, 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven. Doors will open to the public at 10:00 am, and close at 4:00 pm.

At approximately 9:25 am, Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 29-year-old Terrence Jerome Barnett, 30 Queens Court, Frostproof, who is currently in the Polk County Jail facing multiple charges to include the 2009 Murder of PCSO Detention Sergeant Ronnie Brown, became verbally abusive and physically threatening to detention deputies while in a holding cell at the Polk County Court House.

Levon Wayne Freeman, DOB 8/22/85, who had a Polk County Warrant for his arrest for First Degree Murder for the fatal shooting of Tommy Chandler, turned himself in to Polk County Sheriff's deputies during the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 15th, near Countyline Road and I-4.

On Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sheriff's Operations Center in Winter Haven, radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge will be presenting a check to the family of Sgt. Wes Whitmore, who was killed in the line of duty on December 12, 2010.

On Thursday, March 10, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers, conducted "Operation Pop Top" in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

On Thursday, March 3, 2011, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office charged two Lakeland residents with Animal Cruelty after finding 184 dogs and two cats living inside and outside of the residence located at 825 Miranda Trail, Lakeland.

On Thursday, February 24, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers conducted "Operation Pop Top" in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on a suspected impaired driver in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 19, 2011, on the Polk County Parkway between Waring Road and Harden Boulevard. The suspected impaired driver jumped off the Polk Parkway near the overpass and sustained multiple injuries.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced today details of a homicide that occurred January 14, 2011. The victim of the murder, 36-year-old Curtis Patrick Chancey, DOB 12-26-74, last known address 6428 Farris Drive, Lakeland, was shot and stabbed multiple times by 35-year-old Mike Hinson (DOB 04-18-75), 2777 Cozart Road, Mulberry, during an argument that occurred on the Bulger Nursery property near Mulberry.

Polk County's crime rate in the unincorporated areas and contract cities (for which the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is responsible) declined from 2009 to 2010, according to the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) statistics reported annually to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted "Operation Pop Top" in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Auburndale and Lake Alfred areas of the county.

Polk County Sheriff's Office Homicide detectives continue to investigate the violent murder of 44-year-old George "Teddy" Rivera.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently conducting a suspicious death investigation.

A total of 20 separated burglaries were reported by 16 separate victims during during the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 8, 2011.

The Second Annual Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc. "Bustin' Clays with Sheriff Grady Judd" event will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011, at Tenoroc Sporting Clays in Lakeland.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Robbery detectives have arrested George Luis Palma Jr., DOB 06/10/1970, 18301 St James Court, Tampa, in connection to the January 29, 2011, Attempted Robbery and Attempted Murder which occurred at the Prima Store located at 6980 County Line Road in Mulberry.

In a nine-hour-investigation on Thursday, February 3, 2011, targeting solicitation to commit prostitution, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit detectives arrested 17 males charging them with crimes ranging from Solicit to Commit Prostitution, to Possession of Hydrocodone. The investigation concentrated on the Wabash area of Lakeland.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing adult.

On Saturday, January 29, 2011, hundreds of motorcycle riders from the central Florida area converged on the Wing House restaurant on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland to pay tribute to fallen officers, and to donate money to the officers’ loved ones.

On January 26, 2011, Secretary of State's Office, Attorney General Pam Bondi signed a "Notice Of Emergency Rule" designating compounds commonly known as "bath salts" (MDPV and others) a controlled substance.

On January 27, 2011, Polk County Sheriff's School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers conducted "Operation Pop Top" in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors in the Auburndale area.

On January 27, 2011, two capable canines proved how priceless their training and presence are when both were instrumental in apprehending three suspects during two different incidents on the same day.

Sheriff Grady Judd and Bubba the Love Sponge are partnering to host a benefit motorcycle ride to honor Sergeant Wes Whitmore, who was killed in the line of duty on December 12, 2010, with the proceeds going to the Whitmore family.

On Tuesday, January 11, 2011, Hazlitt was federally indicted on one count Interference with Operation of Aircraft. PCSO detectives worked jointly with the FBI and US Attorney's Office in Tampa to secure the indictment.

Polk County Sheriff's Propery Crimes detectives are seeking the owners of several items of stolen property they recovered after serving a search warrant on December 2, 2010, at 110 11th Street in Wahneta. A suspect was arrested and charged in this case, however, detectives are still attempting to identify the owners of the property.

Polk County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives arrested a suspect in a gang related homicide investigation 12 hours after the murder of Juan Castillo and the attempted murder of Juan's 11 year-old brother, Jake Castillo, which occurred on January 8, 2011, at 1707 West Parker Street in Lakeland.

In response to citizen complaints about prostitution activity in Lakeland, on Thursday, January 6, 2011, the PCSO Vice Unit, with assistance from the PCSO Gang and Narcotics Units, conducted an undercover operation targeting prostitutes. They focused mainly on the areas of Ohio Street, Wabash Avenue, and Arizona Avenue. In all, undercover PCSO detectives made 12 arrests for Solicitation of Prostitution.

Throughout the course of the Polk County Public School Christmas break, PCSO School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers (Explorers are high school student volunteers) conducted several "Operation Pop Top" initiatives in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

Polk County Sheriff's Homicide detectives arrested a Lakeland man, Reginald Enzor, after he fatally stabbed his wife, Radiah Craft-Enzor, on Sunday, January 2, 2011.

PCSO Dive Team members recovered the body of 22-year-old Cody Allen Hayes (DOB 06/06/1988) of 170 Spurlock Road in Frostproof, out of Lake Starr near Lake Wales on December 26, 2010, at about 11:30 a.m. Divers were called out early this morning after Duey did not return to shore after a canoe he was in turned over.

David Alan Wilson, who is currently in state prison, was charged via direct-file from the State Attorney's Office for Armed Burglary, after being identified as the "Beer Cooler Bandit" by PCSO detectives.

During the months of September through December of 2010 several thousand pounds of mine material were sold at Gregco Recycling in Lakeland, FL. The majority of the material was high grade stainless steel common to the mining industry.

12/20/2010 - Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, working with local law enforcement in Pueblo, Colorado, affected the arrest of Philip Greaves, 2nd (DOB 01.13.1963) of 623 E. 2nd Street, Pueblo, Colorado on a Polk County (Florida) Felony Warrant. Greaves has been charged with Distribution of Obscene Material Depicting Minors Engaged in Conduct Harmful to Minors (Florida Statute 847.011(1)(C)). The offense is a 3rd degree felony.

On December 17, 2010, Israel Jesus Perez was arrested in Tallahassee, Florida (by Tallahassee PD after being contacted by PCSO detectives) for the murder of Elder Esai Pimental Chilin, whose body was discovered on December 15, 2010, in an orange grove off Water Tank Road in Haines City, Florida.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is deeply saddened by the loss of a 15-year veteran with the agency, Sergeant Wesley Richard Whitmore, Jr.

On Thursday, December 8, 2010, Polk County Sheriff's School Resource deputies and PCSO Explorers (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted "Operation Pop Top" in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the north Lakeland area of the county.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has several events planned this holiday season to ensure that needy children throughout the county will receive presents this year.

Polk County Sheriff's Robbery detectives have arrested four men responsible for the armed robbery and shooting that occurred on Saturday, December 4th at the Circle K store located at 3808 Deeson Road in north Lakeland, during which the store clerk was shot in the hand.

On Monday, December 6, 2010, Sheriff Grady Judd presented Deputy Sheriff D. Brett Hermelbracht and his K-9 partner Silvo with a Sheriff's Commendation recognizing their outstanding achievement in being the first K-9 team in the nation to complete a rigorous training presented by the North American Police Working Dogs Association (NAPWDA).

Orange County Sheriff's deputies apprehended a Polk County man wanted for the BB&T bank robbery which occurred on December 2, 2010.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies, working with Lake Wales Police (LWPD), the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, and the State of Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), arrested a Tennessee man for possession and transportation of moonshine after he brought several containers of moonshine to Polk County from Tennessee.

"Criminals are always looking for an opportunity to take advantage of you, especially during the holiday season when shopping is at an all-time high," said Sheriff Judd. "Be vigilant when shopping online, at shopping centers, and when traveling. There are many steps you can take to safeguard yourself while shopping."

On Saturday, November 20, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers responded to the area of Sutton Hills Drive South in Lakeland due to an altercation between a dog and a raccoon.

While deputies were establishing a perimeter in search of a suicidal subject, the PCSO helicopter was “struck” with a green laser light from the ground.

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), Public Safety Communications Accreditation (PSCA) program will visit the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in December to examine all aspects of Telecommunications policy and procedures, management, operations, and other support services.

It isn’t uncommon for Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies to arrive before Emergency Medical Services personnel when calls for assistance are received. And that was exactly what happened at approximately 5:40 am, Monday, November 22, 2010.

Sheriff Grady Judd announced today that the Polk County Sheriff's Office, working in cooperation with the State Attorney's Office, 10th Judicial Circuit, arrested 12 people working at local Polk County stores who sold products containing synthetic cannabinoids to undercover detectives.  The arrests occurred over the last several days.  A warrant has been issued for another store employee who is out of state, for a total of 13 for this operation.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Heartland Crime Stoppers, Inc., announce a new program that rewards anonymous callers for alerting law enforcement to the presence of illegally possessed firearms. Through this program, citizens are encourage to turn in felons with guns and report anyone who has a stolen gun, is illegally in possession of a gun, or provide the location of a gun that has been used in a crime.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two suspects wanted in a string of strong–armed robberies occurring in the southeast Winter Haven and Lake Wales area during the past week.

On Tuesday, October 12, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Gang detectives served two search warrants at different residences and arrested seven suspects. Charges included, Unlawful Use of Electronic Communications and Recruiting Gang Membership, and Fighting or Baiting Animals. All charges are third degree felonies, punishable by up to five years imprisonment.

Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a proactive initiative on Thursday, October 7, 2010, that resulted in 89 arrests countywide on charges such as Possession of Cannabis, Burglary, Grand Theft, Driving While License Suspended, and various Warrants.

Sheriff Grady Judd is pleased to report that crime in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office primary law enforcement response area is down 3.95% in the first six months of 2010 compared to the first six months of 2009. Violent crimes in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction are down 17.21% for the same time period.

Sheriff Grady Judd reminds motorists that the decision made by the Polk County School Board to have schools countywide release students as much as two hours earlier this Wednesday, September 15, 2010, will result in children crossing streets in school zones earlier than normal, and in many cases without the normal flashing school zone beacons in operation.

Polk County Sheriff’s Computer Crimes detectives arrested a Polk City man last night, Thursday, August 26, 2010, after investigation revealed he was downloading child pornography over the internet via the Xbox Live gaming system.

In an undercover investigation, targeting online adult ads, which began Wednesday, August 18, 2010, through Saturday, August 21, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 44 suspects. The suspects, both male and female, have been charged with either Soliciting another for Prostitution, Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution, or Aiding and Abetting Prostitution. Additional charges ranged from Drug Possession, Disorderly Conduct, to Violation of Probation.

Sheriff Judd reminds citizens that school begins in Polk County on Monday, August 23rd, which means traffic will dramatically increase during the morning and afternoon hours as parents are dropping their children off and picking them up from school, and as school buses navigate our roadways.

From Thursday, August 12, through Sunday, August 15, 2010, a total of 15 adult men were arrested and charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex (or related crimes) during an extensive undercover operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with other agencies.

On Thursday, August 12, 2010, Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrest of 50-year-old Dion Alan Kaseta, 4080 Jenkins Road, Chattanooga Tennessee, in the death of a Polk County woman missing for 9 years.

National Night Out will be held Tuesday, August 3, 2010.

On Tuesday morning, July 27, 2010, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was elected to serve as the 2010-2011 Florida Sheriff’s Association Treasurer.

The pre-dawn Armed Home Invasion occurred at a residence in Poinciana on Sunday, July 25, 2010.

Sheriff Grady Judd warns Polk County residents about two recent scams seen by Fraud detectives involving strangers asking for money over the phone and via email.

Sheriff Grady Judd is pleased to announce several promotions agency-wide. These positions were created as a result of several retirements throughout the agency, most notable of whose is Chief of Staff Gary Hester, who is retiring after an illustrious 31-year career with PCSO and who has been selected as the new Police Chief of the Winter Haven Police Department.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office encourages the community to come out in support of the upcoming fundraisers benefiting two Polk County Sheriff's deputies shot and injured June 25, 2010, the two Tampa Police officers shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop June 29, 2010, and the family of a Polk County Paramedic who lost his son July 7, 2010 in a traffic crash.

7-9-2010- Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers responded to the area of Hallamwood Court in Lakeland due to the presence of a raccoon in a residence backyard, Wednesday, July 7, 2010.

At approximately 2:30 am, Friday, June 25, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies 58-year-old Paul Fairbanks and 32-year-old Michael Braswell were proactively patrolling in the area of Plateau Avenue and Josephine Street in the Wabash area of unincorporated Polk County near Lakeland.

Summer officially began Monday, June 21, 2010. Longer day light hours mean more time for families to enjoy outside activities. It also means more opportunities for criminals to find distracted or vacationing families away from their home.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies charged an Auburndale man with five counts Attempted First Degree Murder today, June 5, 2010, after he went on a 5-mile shooting spree on US Hwy 92 West in Lakeland late Friday, June 4th.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office encourages businesses to not mail any information or send any money to “Compliance Services” in Tallahassee.

At approximately 5:30 pm, Wednesday, June 2, 2010, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous call regarding a possible animal neglect case at 5000 Baker Dairy Road, Haines City. Upon arrival, deputies found 49 adult dogs and 13 puppies around the property. Some of the dogs were chained, some were in metal pens, and some dogs were roaming freely.

“This is just another example of the amazing generosity in our community and the neighboring areas,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “These volunteers have donated not only resources, but their holiday weekend to help us out. It just doesn’t get any better.”

PCSO Animal Control Officers and Agricultural Crimes deputies arrested a husband and wife on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - Charles “Chuck” O’Malley and Diane O’Malley, of 15195 Angus Road in Polk City - and charged them both with 261 counts each Animal Cruelty, after investigation revealed they were neglecting dogs they had in their home and on their property, also known as Mid-Florida Retriever Rescue, Inc. The dogs were malnourished, infested with fleas and parasites, and in very poor health.

On Wednesday, May 19, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

Deputies and Explorers conducted an Operation Pop Top in the Winter Haven and Lake Wales areas of the county.

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies arrested a Bartow man today, May 12, 2010, after investigation revealed he caused a two-car traffic crash in which a woman and her son were critically injured, and then fled the scene.

Sheriff Grady Judd and Executive Staff members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will recognize law enforcement, detention, civilian, and volunteer members of the agency on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven at the 2010 Annual Awards ceremony, for their exemplary efforts made last year.

Polk County Sheriff's undercover detectives from the Vice Unit, assisted by undercover detectives from the Narcotics Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Tactical Drug Unit, arrested six women and one man on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, during an operation that focused on street prostitution in the Idaho Avenue area of Lakeland.

In an effort to accurately count the population, U.S. census questionnaires were delivered either by hand or U.S. mail to residents in late February and March 2010. From now until the end of August, Census Bureau field staff will be working door-to-door in neighborhoods across the United States to collect information from those who have not returned their census questionnaires, and to verify addresses. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd reminds residents to be cautious of anyone who comes to your home without

In observance of National Police Week, May 9th through May 15th, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Polk County Lodge #46 and the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund (PCLEMF), Inc., will present the 23rd Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Thursday, May 6th, 2010, 10:00 a.m., at the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial in Lakeland Veterans Park.

Polk County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have made an arrest in the homicide of 24-year-old Courtney Bright, charging the father of Ms. Bright’s girlfriend, Jerry Lee Seger, DOB 2/13/70, of Lakeland, with one count First Degree Murder.

On Thursday, April 22, 2010, nearly one year after the first “Operation Child Shield,” in which 45 suspects were arrested, Polk County Sheriff’s Computer Crimes detectives added another 50 suspects to the Polk County Jail during “Operation Child Shield II.”

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating three suspects – Tennille Sanders, Anthony Sanders, and Courtney Sanders - who have been federally indicted for Cocaine Distribution and Criminal Conspiracy.

On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, a team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will visit the Polk County Sheriff’s office to examine specific aspects of the agency’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Danny Caldwell, of 3490 Fairfax Place in Lakeland, who owns and operates Danny’s Hooking and Booking wrecker service out of his home, got hooked by PCSO deputies and booked into the Polk County Jail on 51 counts Improper Destruction of a Vehicle and 1 count Operating a Secondary Metals Business Without a License.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office vice detectives, during the month of March 2010, conducted an investigation into the distribution and sale of obscene material at two convenience stores in Lakeland.

The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $15 million.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies will escort The Easter Bunny, courtesy of The Easter Bunny Foundation, to visit women and children in hospitals around Polk County on Good Friday, April 2, 2010.

Deputies conducted two different Operation Pop Tops throughout Polk County on March 29, 2010, with 14 stores found in compliance.

PCSO HOSTS ADOPT-A-THON SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010

Deputies conducted Operation Pop Top in the Mulberry and south Lakeland area.

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, undercover detectives assigned to the Polk County Sheriff’s Tactical Drug Unit, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Office, arrested 50-year-old Dr. Douglas Owen Nagel (DOB 2/15/60), of 12025 Edgemere Circle, Reston, VA, on an arrest warrant out of Polk County, Florida.

Polk County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives arrested 23-year-old Daniel Aleman (DOB 8/5/86) of 4647 Fox Creek Drive West in Mulberry today after investigation revealed he provided a lethal dose of morphine to a friend of his, 23-year-old Michael Edwin Berg, back in September 2009. The toxicology results were recently returned to the Medical Examiner’s Office, which revealed that Berg died as a result of excessive levels of morphine in his system.

Sheriff Grady Judd is pleased to report that the crime rate in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office primary law enforcement response area is down 5.64%. The Polk/PCSO crime rate is nearly one third less (32.34%) than the most recently published Florida state crime rate.

At approximately 11:00 am, Saturday, March 6, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic deputies responded to Cass Road, near Adams Barn Road in Lake Alfred in reference to a Hit and Run Traffic Crash.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office joins hundreds of other law enforcement agencies across Florida in renewing a pledge to save lives by intensifying efforts to enforce seat belt laws during the national Click It or Ticket campaign, which runs from March 1 – March 15, 2010.

Polk County Sheriff’s Robbery detectives have arrested a Lake Wales man this evening wanted for a home invasion robbery in which a 69-year-old woman was punched in the face and her jewelry and cash was taken.

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Mulberry and south Lakeland area.

This most recent warning comes as a result of Polk County Sheriff’s detectives spotting several men from out-of-state driving around the Lakeland area, attempting to solicit paving work from residents and local businesses on a cash payment basis.

31-year-old Detention Deputy Maria Guzman was fired yesterday, February 17, 2010, for two sustained allegations of improper conduct (untruthfulness and conduct unbecoming of a member of the Sheriff’s Office).

A 9-year-old Lakeland boy was severely injured late Thursday afternoon, February 18, 2010, when a WWII “Pineapple” grenade exploded in his hand.

“Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies work hard to keep our residents safe,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “This is a reminder of what they face as they do their job.”

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies, working with prosecutors from the State Attorney’s Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit, successfully apprehended two “traveling scam artists” known to have victimized several elderly people in Florida and other states.

Sheriff Grady Judd is seeking residents of Polk County, who are over the age of 18, to apply to participate in his sixth Sheriff’s Advisory Council – the current Sheriff’s Advisory Council will end their 1-year term in April 2010. The Council will consist of 20 members who will serve voluntarily and meet quarterly with Sheriff Judd.

The words distracted and driving just don’t go together. For example, the definition of distracted is having attention diverted. The definition of driving is the controlled operation of a vehicle. See?

On Thursday, January 28, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a crime suppression / interdiction initiative throughout Polk County. Deputies searched for wanted suspects with outstanding warrants, followed up on felons on probation and those out on bail, and made contacts with the public. During this initiative hundreds of community contacts were made and 87 suspects were arrested.

Over the next 18 months, approximately 1 million U.S. Census workers will be surveying the country’s population to gather demographic information from residents. And Polk County residents will be counted as well.

Sheriff Grady Judd invites the public and media to attend the Mulberry Sheriff's Station Open House on February 4, 2010.

Polk County Sheriff’s Computer Crimes and Special Victims detectives arrested a Bartow man last week for possession of child pornography and added additional charges against him after investigation revealed he sexually battered a four-year-old girl while creating child pornography images during the molestation.