Among the 41 people arrested in a child sex sting were 13 from Polk County; of those, one was from Lake Wales, one from Bartow, two from Haines City and three from Davenport. Arrested were: • David Ullman, Lake Wales: … read more.

A 21-year-old Polk County Sheriff’s Office telecommunicator resigned this week after he was arrested for allegedly stealing $31.41 of items from Bartow’s Walmart. Harold Jamal Young was employed as a telecommunicator since October 2011. He was booked into the Polk … read more.

A computer technician for the city of Bartow is accused of selling computers from the Bartow Police Department to two area pawn shops, the Bartow Police Department reports. Between September 2012 and May 2013, James Eugene Downing, 35, of 690 … read more.

May 27 Bobby Doster, 23, of W. 7218 Thomas Jefferson Circle — charged with criminal mischief. Kathryn Keller, 21, of 1285 US Hwy. 17 N. #95 — charged with aggravated battery. Gennaro Lovito, 44, of E. 292 Citrus Highlands Drive … read more.

May 21 Melody Duncan, 21, of N. 1035 Broadway Avenue #236 — charged with petit theft larceny. Felicia Nick, 43, of W. 1095 Mizell Street — charged with violation of probation. May 22 James Downing, 35, of W. 690 Vine … read more.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for volunteers for the Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Office program. Participants will receive more than 80 hours of classroom training and will receive another 80 hours of field training. The training includes PCSO orientation … read more.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and executive staff members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office recognized law enforcement, detention, civilian, and volunteer members of the agency on Thursday, May 23, at Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City, at the … read more.

April 24 Robert Maxwell, 42, of S. 915 Oak Avenue — charged with battery, possession of paraphernalia, trafficking methamphetamine, owning or renting a structure to traffic drugs, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of paraphernalia and permitting … read more.

The Bartow Police Department is joining with hundreds of other law enforcement agencies across Florida in the “Click it or Ticket” operation Officers will intensify efforts to enforce seatbelt laws among all motorists. The operation began May 20 and concludes … read more.

Thirty-two years ago I embarked on a career in law enforcement. Since that day, I have worked for four different agencies in a multitude of different capacities. I have even retired once. As a young recruit officer, I never thought … read more.