Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
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 Meghan Petty. 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 9, 2020
PCSO arrests 3 men on lewd behavior charges at public parks
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO
On Tuesday, January 7, 2020, PCSO undercover detectives conducted an operation at Saddle Creek Park and Gator Creek Park in Lakeland, in response to ongoing complaints of lewd activity occurring in county parks. During the operation, three men were arrested.
“These parks are meant for people to enjoy, often time with their families. We will not tolerate lewd activity to occur at these parks or boat ramps, and we will keep conducting these operations, and we will keep arresting people until it stops.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
All three of the men who were arrested are from Auburndale. They are:
59-year-old Ronald Beckett, who made contact with the undercover detective, and exposed himself to him. He was charged with Engaging in Lewdness and Indecent Exposure.
66-year-old Charles Naaykens began conversing with the detective and attempted to engage in lewd sexual behavior. He was charged with Offer/Agree to Commit a Lewd Act.
59-year-old Steven Gill followed a detective into the restroom and attempted to engage in lewd sexual behavior. He was charged with Offer/Agree to Commit a Lewd Act.
All three men were transported to the Polk County Jail.