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.

Apr 2, 2024

Operation Pop Top: Two sales clerks arrested for illegal alcohol sales

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office made two arrests Monday, April 1, 2024 for illegal alcohol sales.

The deputies were conducting the ongoing "Operation Pop Top" campaign, in which they visit numerous stores that sell alcohol and/or kratom to make sure the stores are being compliant with state laws regarding the sales of those products. The deputies were assisted by an 18-year old PCSO Cadet who would attempt to make the purchases.

The PCSO Cadet attempted to purchase alcohol at seven stores, and was successful at two of the stops. They visited two stores and attempted to purchase kratom, and were denied at both stores.

"Sales clerks are the gatekeepers at these stores; they must check IDs and they must refuse to sell alcohol or kratom to anyone under the age of 21...it's the law. And we're very serious about enforcing the laws here in Polk County. I'm quite certain we've been very clear about that." - Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Arrested were 18-year old Cassandra Gonzalez from the RaceTrac at 2227 US 92 in Auburndale and 20-year old Juanita Negron from the Citgo at 2415 Avenue G in Winter Haven. Both were charged with Selling Alcohol to a Person Under 21 years of Age, a misdemeanor.