Polk County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Unit deputies, in conjunction with Winn Dixie Organized Retail Crime investigators, arrested 7 Employees (5 adults and 2 juveniles) involved in an internal scheme to defraud resulting in an estimated $6,000 loss.

On Thursday, December 5, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Tactical Drug Unit detectives arrested four people and seized a large amount of illegal narcotics from what was reported to be a “stash house” in Winter Haven after receiving an anonymous tip.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrest of 22-year-old Michael Allen Wright, DOB 7-5-1991, LKA: 1232 Country Club Lane, Lakeland. Wright was charged with 15 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2013, in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer conducted “Operation Pop Top” in the Winter Haven area.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2013, PCSO Computer Crimes detectives arrested 46-year-old David Sealock, Sr., of 4101 Sunny Land Drive in Lakeland, and charged him so far with 31 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

"Verification by the assessment team that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards for telecommunications public safety is part of a voluntary process to gain re-accreditation, a highly prized recognition of professional excellence," said Sheriff Grady Judd.

Shortly before 4:30 pm, on Saturday, November 16, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies received an anonymous tip about possible rooster fights taking place at 4560 Carl Boozer Road Haines City. Deputies responded to the location and discovered a fight in progress with 14 suspects at the scene.

The school crossing guard located at 1st Street N in front of Purcell Elementary School in Mulberry, will be removed December 6, 2013.