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.

Oct 23, 2020

FWC civilian employee arrested for battery

Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO

On October 22, 2020, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 21-year-old Kodie Andrew Cameron Cummingham of Lakeland for battery (M1) of a homeless man.

According to the affidavit, Cummingham and the victim were having a verbal argument in the parking lot of Defy (6220 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland) when Cummingham punched the victim on the right side of his face. The victim was not seriously injured and refused medical treatment.

Cummingham was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail where he was booked in and then released on a $500 bond.

Any questions about Cummingham’s employment should be directed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.