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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.
Jul 22, 2020
Polk City Man Arrested Three Months after Being Released from Prison
Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO
On July 21, 2020, PCSO Undercover Narcotics detectives received a tip about illegal drug
activity at a hotel in Lakeland and responded to investigate.
During the investigation, detectives arranged for the purchase of $1,000 worth of methamphetamine between an informant and 23 year-old suspect Jeremie Cunningham. When Cunningham arrived to conduct the transaction, detectives attempted the arrest, but Cunningham actively resisted, striking one of the detectives several times. Cunningham was placed under arrest. During a search, detectives discovered a plastic bag containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The detective did not require medical attention.
“With only three months out of state prison and arrested again, you would think Cunningham would do everything possible to stay free. Instead, he chose to immediately return to his criminal enterprise, and that’s just not acceptable in Polk County.” - Grady Judd, Sheriff
Cunningham was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 14 grams (F1), Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell (F2), Maintain Vehicle for Trafficking Narcotics (F2), Unlawful Use of Two Way Communication Device (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), Knowingly DWLSR (M2), No Motorcycle Endorsement (M2), Resisting Officer with Violence (F3), Battery on LEO (F3). Cunningham has 11 prior felonies and 8 prior misdemeanors, including Possession of Methamphetamine and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.