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.

Apr 20, 2023

Florida Department of Corrections Sergeant arrested for DUI and threatening a public servant

Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO

On April 18, 2023, PCSO deputies arrested 31-year-old Sean Patrick Teehan for DUI with property damage (M1), DUI with a breath alcohol of .15 or higher (M1), and threatening a public servant (F3). Teehan is employed as a Corrections Sergeant at Polk Correctional Institution in Polk City.

At around 6:12 p.m., deputies responded to Canal Road and Cherry Pocket Road in Lake Wales in reference to a single vehicle crash.

Based on evidence and witnesses at the scene, Teehan was driving a black Honda Civic westbound on Canal Road when he crashed into a guardrail. When deputies arrived on scene, Teehan was sitting on the hood of the Honda. Deputies observed Teehan to have “bloodshot, watery eyes, a slurred speech pattern, a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath as he was speaking, lethargic movements, and a difficult time standing unsupported.”

Deputies were unable to conduct any of the Field Sobriety Tests due to Teehan’s level of intoxication and the possible danger to himself if he attempted the exercises.
Teehan was arrested and transported to the PCSO Processing Center where he provided two breath samples: .265 and .260 (over three times the limit of .08).

As standard practice, Teehan was taken to an area hospital to be evaluated. While waiting to be discharged, he told the deputy, “Don’t worry, your time is coming. I’ll see you on the inside, I work for the DOC.”

Teehan was released from the hospital and transported back to the Sheriff’s Processing Center where he was additionally charged with threatening a public servant.

“Driving under the influence is illegal and deadly, and as a Corrections Sergeant, Teehan knew better. Luckily no one was hurt in this instance. If you’ve been drinking, please don’t drive. It puts your life and the lives of those on the road at risk.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Sean Teehan is currently in the Polk County Jail and is being held without bond until a first appearance hearing this afternoon. His previous criminal history includes charges for resisting arrest and battery on a law enforcement officer.

Inquiries about Teehan’s employment should be directed to the Florida Department of Corrections.