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Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.
PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.
The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.
Aug 31, 2026
Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests Honduran man who is in the United States illegally after he sexually attacked an elderly woman in her Mulberry home
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office quickly solved a burglary and vicious sexual battery of an elderly woman in her Mulberry residence.
The 77-year-old victim was awakened at around 4 am, Saturday, August 29, 2026, after she heard a noise. The unknown man entered her bedroom, forcibly removed the victim’s garments, and sexually battered her and then slapped her when she tried to get away.
The victim attempted to escape through the front door when the suspect went into the bathroom, but the suspect chased after her and dragged her back inside and choked her.
The suspect fled from the scene and the victim called the Sheriff’s Office.
PCSO detectives began a neighborhood canvass for possible witnesses or other information. At one of the homes they checked, detectives spoke with two of the occupants while a third was inside taking a shower.
When contact was made with the third occupant, detectives noticed that he matched the description given by the victim.
Located inside the residence was clothing that the victim also described.
The man was identified as 24-year-old Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera of Honduras. He initially began speaking with detectives but then refused to answer any more questions.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for swabbings from Espinal Herrera and photos. During this collection of evidence, multiple scratches were found on Espinal Herrera’s body which were consistent with the victim’s statements. Espinal Herrera was also found to be in possession of cocaine.
The victim was able to pick Espinal Herrera out of a photo line-up.
Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center where he was booked-in on multiple charges. Espinal Herrera is in the United States illegally, so the following charges reflect a one-degree enhancement: Kidnapping (FL), Sexual Battery by Force (FL), Burglary with Battery (FL), Tampering with Evidence (F2), Possession of Cocaine (F2), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (F3), Loitering/Prowling (M1).
Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted, and a detainer was placed on Espinal Herrera.
Two other men who resided with Espinal Herrera were also determined to be from Honduras and in the United States illegally, and they were also taken into custody on ICE holds.
CLICK HERE to view Sheriff Grady Judd's comments about this arrest.