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 26, 2023

Osceola County Corrections Officer arrested for domestic violence

Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO

On January 25, 2023, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Joshua Diaz of Kissimmee for Domestic Violence Battery (M1) and False Imprisonment (F3). Diaz is employed by Osceola County as a corrections officer.

The victim told the responding deputy that on December 12, 2022, she was arguing with Diaz when he grabbed her face. The victim told the deputy that she pushed him away from her, but Diaz grabbed her arm, pulled her down onto the ground, and held her down against her will. The victim was able to break free and went to the bedroom where Diaz followed her. Diaz shut the door, threw her on the bed telling her, “You’re not leaving,” and then physically blocked the door.

The victim was able to retrieve a firearm from the closet and told Diaz to leave. Diaz then left the residence.

She stated she waited to come forward because she didn’t want Diaz to be fired from his job.

"People who work in a position of public trust are held to a higher standard, as they should be. Diaz violated this trust through his violent actions. He will be held accountable. If anyone finds themselves in an abusive relationship, they need to get help. There are resources available to help victims of domestic violence.” - Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Deputies located Diaz, who had been staying with a relative, and took him into custody. He is currently in the Polk County Jail being held without bond.

Please direct any inquiries regarding Mr. Joshua Diaz’s employment to the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.