News and Investigations

A traffic enforcement deputy from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office resigned Wednesday afternoon, June 25, 2025, upon being arrested for petit theft. Had he not resigned, his employment with the agency would have been terminated.

Following the initial investigation, 28-year old Justin Register was arrested, and charged with petit theft (M1). 

The theft was reported by two other PCSO deputies who were assisting on a traffic stop conducted by Register. 

“I am disgusted by Justin Register’s dishonest behavior. We are going to hold him accountable for his disgraceful actions, and he should never be trusted to work in law enforcement again. I am proud of the two other deputies who came forward to report what they discovered.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The traffic stop took place near Fort Meade, and the driver/victim was arrested by Register for driving without a valid driver’s license.

Deputies Joseph Leon and Vito Mineo arrived at the traffic stop as backup. Deputy Leon noticed Register securing the driver’s wallet and phone inside the trunk of Register’s patrol car. A short time later, Deputy Leon saw Register return to the trunk.

The driver’s daughter arrived at the traffic stop, and he asked if she could take custody of his property. Deputy Leon then watched as Register returned to the trunk again to retrieve the property, and pull $82 from the wallet, handing it to the woman. 

The driver said there should have been $300 more in the wallet. Deputies Leon and Mineo began searching the scene for the money. Deputy Leon found a paystub belonging to the driver for a check cashed for $400. 

Deputy Leon noticed Register return to his patrol vehicle trunk. Register unzipped a riffle bag, removed folded cash, unfolded it and flattened it out, and then said, “Oh, here it is!” 
Deputies Leon and Mineo spoke to their Lieutenant about what occurred, and the investigation began.

Sheriff Judd emphasized that the investigation is open and far from over. All of Register’s arrests and traffic stops will be audited. If anyone has information concerning Register’s conduct related to any of his investigations, they are encouraged to contact our administrative investigation section at 863-298-6506.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is working with the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office to review all arrests made by Register which are currently being prosecuted.
Justin Register was hired by the PCSO in May of 2018.