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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.
May 30, 2019
60 additional criminal charges for possession of child pornography filed against Davenport man
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have added on 60 new charges of possession of child pornography (F2) against a man who was arrested on April 26, 2019. Jerome Lingenfelter was charged with five counts of possession of child pornography following his initial arrest. He was arrested again on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 after detectives discovered additional disturbing images on his laptop. The pictures depicted boys and girls between 2 and 12 years old involved in graphic exploitative sexual conduct.
Lingenfelter, 55, from 243 Oxford Road in Davenport, was booked into the Polk County Jail on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. He is being held without bond until his first appearance hearing.
“The forensic examinations of Lingenfelter’s electronic devices are ongoing, so depending on what the detectives find, additional charges may be filed. We are committed to protecting our children from those who possess and distribute child pornography. Lingenfelter is a part of a worldwide underground child pornography distribution system – the demand for this vile material harms children, and ruins lives.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
At the time of his initial arrest, deputies seized two laptops, a tablet, cameras, and several electronic storage devices.