Polk County Sheriff's Office

20/06/2026

A witness recently witnessed a residential burglary in east Lakeland, and called in a great description of the suspect, then he even followed the suspect to another home where he fled into.

The suspect was wearing a red shirt with “No Limits” printed on it. His name was Jason.

Deputies arrived at the house where Jason entered and knocked at the door.

Perry, the homeowner, spoke to deputies at the door but she was uncooperative and less than cordial.

All five of the people in the house denied knowing Jason however, deputies noticed one of the stolen bags.

Deputies said they would like to search Perry’s residence, but Perry said, and we carefully quote, “You ain’t going in my (rude adjective) house ‘cause I know you ain’t gonna get a warrant on my (same rude adjective) house!”

You could say many things about Perry, but being a clairvoyant is not one of them.

A detective got a warrant signed by a judge and a search commenced on Perry’s (no rude adjective) house.

And big surprise, stolen items were found. Also baggies, glass pipes, bongs, syringes, m**hamphetamine, and ma*****na.

Every. Single. Person. There. Was. Arrested.

Jimmy, Bobby, Alicia, and Katherine were all charged with possession of m**h and drug paraphernalia.

Perry the (rude adjective tossed-in because we’re feeling petty now) homeowner was charged with: possession of m**h, ma*****na, and drug paraphernalia, and for maintaining a structure for use of controlled substances.

And finally, Jason, who was found nearby, got charged with burglary, felony criminal mischief, felony petit theft, trespassing, and resisting.

19/06/2026

Polk County detectives arrest a Haitian national who is in the United States illegally, after he tried to arrange a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man Thursday, June 18, 2026, who was trying to arrange a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl via a dating app. In this case, the suspect is from Haiti and in the United States illegally.

The PCSO’s Cyber Crimes Unit had placed an advertisement on the dating service, posing as a father who was trying to pr******te his daughter for a sex-for-money transaction.

On Thursday, an undercover detective was contacted by phone about the ad. The suspect was made aware that the girl he was planning to meet was only 14-years-old, and he agreed to pay her father $100 to have sexual in*******se with her.

At around 1:09 pm, the suspect arrived at the designated meet-up location and he was quickly arrested.

The suspect was identified as 33-year-old James Cherubin of Haiti. Mr. Cherubin is currently residing in Winter Haven. He came to the United States on a work visa that has since expired, and he has been unemployed for the past six months.

“This is the second day in a row that we have captured someone who was trying to victimize a child for his own sick pleasure. These demented perverts are unfortunately out there, and my detectives, who are the very best at what they do, are working to pluck them out of society and put them in jail where they belong.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

James Cherubin was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and booked-in on charges of: Human Trafficking for Commercial S*xual Activity (Victim less than 18) (FL), Use a Computer to Solicit a Parent/Guardian (F2), Traveling to Meet After Using a Computer to Solicit a Parent for S*x with a Minor (F1), Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F2), and Attempted Lewd Battery (F2).

Due to Cherubin’s illegal immigration status, all charges will be enhanced one degree per state law.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement was also contacted, and an ICE hold has been placed against Cherubin.

19/06/2026

This morning, thanks to Polk County Government Florida and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, as well as the amazing fundraising by K9s for Cops Polk County, we unveiled our brand-new, state-of-the-art, Deputy Matt Williams and Diogi K-9 Training Center in Bartow.

Special thanks to PGTV for capturing the event, which you can see on their YouTube channel:

With Polk Government Television (PGTV), you can learn more about yo...

19/06/2026

Jacob had some trouble driving one day. That can happen when you drive while D-R-U-N-K.

Old West Coffee Traders provided the mug this morning to go along with Jacob's mug.

18/06/2026

Perry Olson from Lithia must be living under a rock because most people know better than to travel to Polk to sexually batter a child. He's charged with human trafficking and other felonies. He's a predator, and now he's in the county jail.

Read the release: https://tinyurl.com/bdcz8zey

18/06/2026

If you're selling things on FB Marketplace, take heed.

"Don't do crime - go paint instead" thanks Art on Fire Studio for the hand-painted mug!

17/06/2026

They might leave you on read, but we’re always here and dedicated to you 🤠🚨

17/06/2026

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Today's coffee is served in a Yeti from Tampa Bay Steel.

16/06/2026

She didn’t know where the backpack came from. She didn’t know about the drugs inside. She didn’t know about the second backpack full of drugs. Hopefully by now she knows she’s in the Polk County Jail.

While you’re enjoying your morning coffee, take a look at . If your lawn needs some attention, give them a call and let them help keep your property looking its best!

16/06/2026

22-year-old Kara Fay Hanvey of Sebring was killed in Lakeland on Sunday, June 16, 2019.

At around 6:40 am that day, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive female laying in the grass median of US Hwy 92 East (East Memorial Blvd) near Reynolds Road in Lakeland.

When first responders arrived on-scene it was apparent that Kara was deceased.

There were no witnesses located.

An autopsy determined that Kara had injuries consistent with being fatally struck by a vehicle. Her belongings were located nearby, along the westbound shoulder.

If you have information that may be helpful to this investigation, you are urged to contact the PCSO at 863-298-6200. Or to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)