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.

Dec 14, 2020

Dade City assistant principal arrested in Polk County for DUI and multiple drug possession charges

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

An assistant principal at Pasco High School in Dade City already out on bond for DUI was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Sunday evening, December 13, 2020, on multiple drug possession charges and Driving under the Influence.

PCSO deputies responded to a crash near the intersection of Kathleen Road and Galloway Road in Lakeland at about 9:37 pm.

Neither of the drivers were injured from the crash, but 49-year-old Ralph Stewart from Plant City, was determined to be impaired and arrested. According to the arrest affidavit, Stewart “appeared to have difficulty maintaining his balance and swayed side to side as he was walking.” Stewart was also reported to have bloodshot, watery eyes.

During the investigation, deputies also found Stewart to be in possession of Alprazolam and more than 20-grams of marijuana.

At the time of the crash, Stewart was out on bond for a previous DUI, and his driver’s license was suspended on October 17, 2020 for Refusal to Submit to a BAL Test.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a terrible decision that too many times results in the loss of innocent lives. This was Ralph Stewart's second DUI arrest in less than two months. He is in the position of being a role model and setting good examples for the students. I’m going to give Mr. Stewart an “F” for failing to do that.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Ralph Stewart was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with the following: Possession of Alprazolam (F3), Possession of Marijuana- over 20 Grams (F3), Maintaining a Public Nuisance by Transporting Narcotics (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), DUI with Property Damage (M1), and Knowingly Driving while License Suspended/Revoked (M2).

Any inquiries regarding Mr. Stewart’s employment status should be directed to the Pasco County School Board.