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 Meghan Petty. 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 16, 2019

PCSO Vice Unit arrests Winter Haven man for lewd act at Lake Fannie Boat Ramp

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO

On April 16, 2019, PCSO undercover detectives conducted an operation at Saddle Creek Park and in Lakeland and the Lake Fannie Boat Ramp in Winter Haven in response to complaints of lewd activity there.

Detectives arrested 87-year-old J. Marvin Johnson of Winter Haven, after he exposed himself to and solicited an undercover male detective to perform a sex act. He was placed under arrest and has been charged with one count exposure of sex organs (M1), and one count offering to commit lewdness (M2). He was also issued a trespass warning from the boat ramp. He was booked into jail and is being held on $750.00 bond.

"It hasn't been that long since we conducted a similar undercover operation at this boat ramp, and yet again we encountered a suspect who exposed himself to, and solicited, our undercover detective. Make no mistake - you will be arrested for this in Polk County. We will not tolerate this illegal activity at our local parks and boat ramps." - Grady Judd, Sheriff