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 Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. 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.

Aug 21, 2025

Avon Park Corrections Officer arrested for battery domestic violence

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Media Relations Administrator

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Artavis Pierce of Lakeland for battery domestic violence on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Just before 1:00 a.m. this morning, deputies were dispatched to the home he shares with the victim, who reported that she and the suspect were arguing when he struck her twice on her face. She was unsure if it was an open-handed strike or a closed fist, but her injuries were visible. Pierce was taken into custody without incident.

“Domestic violence committed by anyone is egregious, but when it's committed by someone who is a public servant and entrusted to care for state prisoners, it's especially disappointing.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Please direct any questions about his employment at the Avon Park Correctional Institution to the State of Florida Department of Corrections.