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.

Nov 14, 2025

Operation Pop Top: one sales clerk arrested for illegal sales

Media Contact: Juliana Rivera, PIO

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted compliance checks at seven convenience stores as part of the ongoing Operation Pop Top campaign. This initiative targets the illegal sale of alcohol and other restricted products to underage individuals.

The deputies were assisted by a member of the PCSO's Cadet 1000, a program for high school students who are interested in a career in law enforcement.

On Thursday, the deputies were helped by a 17 year old Cadet member, as they visited six stores in Auburndale and one store in Lakeland.

“We run these operations to protect young people from the dangers of underage drinking, and to hold businesses accountable for following the law. Our Cadets play an important role in helping us identify violations, and they are always safe and supervised during the process.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Out of the seven stores visited, the 17-year old Cadet was successful in purchasing an alcoholic beverage once-- at the Auburndale Sunoco store at 420 Magnolia Ave.

The sales clerk there, 47-year old Jonathan Llamas was arrested and charged with Sale of Alcohol to a Person under 21, a misdemeanor.