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Welcome from
Sheriff Grady Judd
Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office Website. We are happy to provide this site as a resource for use by members of the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the media, and the public. By following us on the Internet, you can help make Polk County a safer place to live from the comfort of your living room. Check in often. And, if you need us - call us. We will always answer the call.
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Apr 3, 2026
Lakeland man arrested and c...
On April 2, 2026, PCSO Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 50-year-old Christopher Burnside of Lakela...
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Apr 1, 2026
Lake Wales sales clerk char...
Sales clerk sold an alcoholic beverage to an 18 year old who was part of the PCSO operation
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Mar 31, 2026
PCSO Arrests Lakeland Man F...
On March 30, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 31-year-old Gavin Ledbetter of L...
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Mar 31, 2026
PCSO arrests man for sexual...
Gary Lenard Wells is facing 35 felonies for the things he did to a child
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always looking out for our community
Crime Stoppers
Animal cruelty investigation
Mar 3, 2026
Media Contact : Brian Bruchey, PIO
Media Contact : Brian Bruchey, PIO
CRIME: ANIMAL CRUELTY
CRIME SCENE: LAKE HAMILTON AREA
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE 26-8562
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating an animal cruelty case that originated in the Lake Hamilton area.
On February 26, 2026, at around 6:55 pm, the PCSO was informed of a deceased dog with a neck laceration that was found next to Lake Hatchineha Road, near Alford Road, west of Lake Hamilton.
A PCSO deputy and an Animal Control Officer responded to the scene and collected the deceased dog. A similar dog was captured nearby with a laceration on its neck as well.
The deceased dog was a brown male with white fur around its neck area.
The injured dog is the pictured brown & white male. His laceration was not as severe, and the wonderful staff at Animal Control were able to provide him with excellent care.
If you have any information that may be helpful to this investigation, please contact Detective Bernthal at 863-534-7205 or email ABernthal@polksheriff.org.
If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
• CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida
• DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
• VISIT http://heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
• DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet
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