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.

Jan 4, 2023

Davenport man arrested in Polk on an Orange County warrant for capital sexual battery and other sex crimes

Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO

On January 3, 2023, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force Orlando Office arrested 39-year-old Timothy Bernard Cooper of Davenport who has an active Orange County warrant issued by the Orlando Police Department.

Cooper is employed as a manager at the Davenport Denny’s restaurant (44111 U.S. 27) and was working when he was arrested.

“This is a perfect example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships. By partnering with the US Marshals we were able to assist the Orlando Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office and take this dangerous sexual predator off the street.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Cooper is charged with:
• Capital Sexual Battery on a Victim under 12 (Capital Felony)
• Lewd Molestation on a Victim under 12 (F1) (4 counts)
• Lewd and Lascivious Conduct (F3) (4 counts)
• Possession of Child Pornography (F1)

He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he awaits extradition to Orange County.

For any inquiries related to the warrant, please contact the Orlando Police Department.