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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.
Aug 8, 2018
"Super sludge" suspect arrested by PCSO Agricultural Detectives
Media Contact: Sherrie Morgan, PIO
On Thursday, August 7, 2018, PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives arrested 50-year-old Peter Rodriguez of Davenport on two counts of commercial dumping (F-3) after investigation revealed he illegally dumped around 10,000 gallons of used cooking oil in a vacant lot in Davenport. According to ACT Environmental, who assisted with cleanup, it's the largest spill ever found in Polk County.
Polk County Fire Rescue/Hazmat, ACT, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Hazmat Teams responded to the area of Sand Mine Road and Hwy 27 to assist deputies. Walgreens and Duke Energy own the adjoining property where the "oil sludge" was found.
"Our investigators worked quickly to find out where the oil from the 'Super Spill' came from. Hazmat tested it and determined it's not hazardous to the public."- Grady Judd, Sheriff
According to the affidavit, deputies found a pump truck near the scene behind Dollar General where the used oil was leaking from a drain spout. After investigating, deputies determined the truck was owned by Brownies Septic and Plumbing and Rodriguez was the operator. He eventually admitted to dumping the sludge, but said he had to do it to keep his job. Brownies Representatives say they're not sure why Rodriguez dumped the oil in the vacant lot as it's picked up from various locations and then disposed at its place of business in Orlando to be refined and sold.
Rodriguez has been released from jail on a 2,000 bond.