Disney employee among 157 nabbed in Polk County human trafficking bust: Grady Judd
More than 150 people, including a Disney employee and 25 illegal immigrants, have been arrested in an undercover human trafficking sweep in Polk County that also led to the rescue of four potential human trafficking victims.
24 Polk County students arrested for written threats since start of 2024 school year, authorities say
Since the start of the 2024-2025 school year in Polk County, 24 students have been arrested for written or online threats, Superintendent Fred Heid announced on Thursday.
Grady Judd: Over 100 suspects arrested, 57 guns seized during violent gang investigation
Nearly 150 people have been arrested, and 57 guns have been taken off Polk County streets because of the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force.
Grady Judd: Polk County man accused of shooting into neighbor’s home overdoses during SWAT standoff
A dispute between neighbors over one not lighting a cigarette for the other early Wednesday morning led to shots fired and a man dying during a standoff with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
Grady Judd says teen accused of murdering his mother also killed his father: 'Violent predator'
A 17-year-old has been arrested after deputies say he killed his mother on Sunday evening.
Governor DeSantis announces $8.5M increase in funds to fight fentanyl
Governor Ron DeSantis will be in Polk County on Wednesday for a joint press conference with Sheriff Grady Judd.
Saw Palmetto berry burglars arrested after new law creates felony punishment
If you've seen certain small berries growing in clumps out in the wild, they may be Saw Palmetto berries, and this is the time of year they're often poached.
3 arrested in Polk County for operating 'Cannibus,' mobile marijuana dispensary: Grady Judd
Three people were arrested in Polk County for operating a mobile marijuana dispensary, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
Suspect in Hard Rock jackpot ambush was arrested 1 month prior for falling asleep in Taco Bell drive-thru
One of the two suspects arrested for ambushing, robbing and shooting a couple after they hit a jackpot at a Tampa casino made headlines a month earlier for his arrest in Polk County.
Sheriff Grady Judd: Group of illegal immigrants stole nearly $1.7 million in property across Florida
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media on a 17-month investigation into a group that burglarized homes across the state.
Grady Judd, Polk County superintendent unveil school bus safety cameras
Polk County leaders will unveil a new initiative Wednesday morning to help keep Polk County students safe on their way to school.
Dollar General shoplifting suspect takes Uber to steal from store: Grady Judd
An Uber driver helped Polk County deputies catch a suspected shoplifter.
More victims sought in case of Home Depot employee accused of voyeurism: Grady Judd
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a Home Depot employee preyed on an innocent child by secretly filming them showering and in bathrooms. Then they identified three more victims, but the investigation isn't over yet.
Grady Judd: ‘Violent offender’ hiding from deputies falls through ceiling, gets bit by K-9
A K-9 with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office took a bite out of crime when it sunk its teeth into a suspect trying to hide from law enforcement officers.
Polk County Sheriff's Office recruiting substitute school crossing guards for upcoming school year
If you have a bit of extra time on your hands, you could consider becoming a substitute school crossing guard.
Florida man steals pantry truck donated by Polk Sheriff’s Charities filled with $25K of food: Grady Judd
A wanted Polk County man may have let his craving for potato salad get the best of him when Sheriff Grady Judd says he took off in a food pantry truck and shared stolen snacks with his friends.
Grandparents of Lakeland toddler shot to death among 64 arrested in fentanyl trafficking bust: Grady Judd
Sixty-four people have been arrested and two Polk County businesses are closed after a multi-agency fentanyl investigation, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
Home Depot employee accused of secretly recording nude teen in bathroom also filmed women in store: PCSO
A Home Depot employee is facing video voyeurism charges after deputies say he secretly recorded a nude teenager inside a bathroom at his home and filmed women at the store where he works.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office launches new lab to combat AI threats
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Polytechnic University are teaming up to protect the public from artificial intelligence threats.
Grady Judd: Car wanted in connection to missing Polk County man turns up at sheriff’s district station
A vehicle deputies say is connected to the disappearance of Ethan Fussell has been located, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.