News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.

PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Alicia Manautou. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.

The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.

Dec 7, 2021

Sales clerk arrested for selling alcohol to teen

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

A sales clerk in Davenport was arrested Monday, December 6, 2021, after he sold alcohol to an 18-year old who was working with Polk County deputies. It was the only illegal sale of alcohol during seven stops at Davenport stores, which is a part of PCSO's ongoing Operation Pop Top. The campaign conducts the undercover checks to ensure that stores are compliant with state law, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

"Stores in the county know we do this; we don't try to hide that fact. We want them to be aware that we will continue to do these operations so that the stores and employees aren't selling alcohol illegally."- Grady Judd, Sheriff

Arrested on Monday was 30-year old Jordan Taylor of Davenport. He was working in the Love's Travel Stop at 45000 US 27, Davenport, when he made the illegal sale.

The six other Davenport stores visited Monday which refused to sell to the Explorer were:
* Sunshine Express/Sunoco 44009 US 27
* One Stop/Chevron 44039 US 27
* 7-Eleven 44249 US 27
* RaceTrac 44119 US 27
* Circle K 45489 US 27
* Circle K 2444 Sand Mine Road

The deputies are assisted by PCSO Explorers who attempt to purchase alcohol at the stores. The Explorers program is comprised of students who are interested in a career in law enforcement.

The Explorer who took part in the checks was an 18-year old.