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 Alicia Manautou. 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.

Jan 15, 2016

Sheriff Judd Warns Residents About Suntrust Bank Scam

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO

Within the last week, three Polk County residents received phone calls from legitimate phone numbers, during which the caller identified himself as working for Suntrust Bank. The caller attempted to get the victims' personal information, such as their dates of birth and Social Security Numbers.

One of the victims hung up immediately, because he does not have a Suntrust Bank account. One of the victims was in the process of giving out his information when he realized it was probably a scam, so he hung up. When the scam was reported to PCSO, detectives contacted Suntrust Bank, who told us that they were also contacted by Volusia County. The scam has been seen in Okaloosa County as well.

The public is being asked to be vigilant about this scam. Please DO NOT give any personal information over the phone to anyone you do not know. If anyone believes a banking related phone call is suspicious in any way, hang up and contact your bank directly to verify the information you are being given prior to giving any information about your accounts. Anyone having received contact in this similar fashion in Polk County is asked to contact Detective Loder at 863-292-3300 or call your local law enforcement agency.