On Friday, February 21, 2014, Polk County Sheriff's undercover detectives conducted a Vice initiative at Saddle Creek Park in Lakeland, focusing on complaints about indecent activity at the park. A total of nine men were arrested for soliciting lewd acts.

On Thursday, February 20, 2014, The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force working with the U.S. Marshals North Carolina Fugitive Task Force, arrested 38-year-old Don Cornelius Stephens, who had three Polk County burglary warrants for his arrest for removing personal property during school hours from Polk County schools.

“Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies do not call residents instructing them to purchase any sort of debit card or money order to pay off a warrant, missed court date fee, ticket or fine,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Do not be fooled by anyone using our agency’s name to swindle you.”

Members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force, or HIDTA, a multi-agency poly drug task force to include the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Winter Haven Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, completed the month long investigation on Wednesday, February 19, 2104.

After receiving information about malnourished animals and a possible cannabis grow operation at 2000 West Frostproof Road, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives made contact with the residents on Friday, February 14, 2014.

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).

Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives discover cocaine, over 24 pounds of cannabis in various stages of production, and a grow house operation after responding to reported death at a Waverly residence.

“We are asking for your help in locating Don Stephens,” said Grady Judd. “Stephens is bold and has apparently targeted schools as a place to steal property. He has a lengthy criminal history for theft. If you see Don Stephens, contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately. We want this guy in jail today.”