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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.
Apr 27, 2016
PCSO Vice Unit Arrests Two Men at Saddle Creek Park
Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO
On Tuesday, April 26, 2016, the PCSO Undercover Vice Unit conducted an operation at five parks in unincorporated Polk County, in response to complaints about lewd activity. The parks were: Saddle Creek Park, Gator Creek Preserve, Fort Fraser Trail, Lake Fannie Boat Ramp, and Mosaic Peace River Park. Two suspects were arrested at Saddle Creek Park.
35-year-old John Bullock, of Auburndale, performed a lewd act in front of an undercover PCSO detective in the restroom at Saddle Creek Park. Bullock was arrested and charged with one count Offering to Engage in Lewdness, and one count Indecent Exposure. He was also issued a trespass from all parks in the county. He was released from jail on $750.00 bond.
53-year-old Timothy Franks, of Lakeland, solicited an undercover PCSO detective at Saddle Creek Park. Franks was arrested and charged with one count Offering to Engage in Lewdness. He told detectives he owns an animal hospital in Lakeland, and that he was arrested at Saddle Creek Park for the same offense in 1997. He was released from jail on $500.00 bond.