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 Alicia Manautou. 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.

Aug 18, 2021

PCSO Vice Unit arrests Orlando woman during a massage parlor investigation

Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO

On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, undercover detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office Vice Unit conducted an on-going operation focused on identifying possible human trafficking victims and possible illegal conduct in a massage parlor.

During a check at the Queen Massage Spa located at 7554 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, 44-year-old Senhua Yang Matagolai of Orlando was arrested for Committing Lewd Acts (M2) after she grabbed the detective's groin. She was transported to the Polk County Jail where she was released after posting a $250 bond.

"We are committed to fighting human trafficking and to keep it out of Polk County. Our detectives will continue checking these types of businesses to identify and help the victims of this horrible crime." - Grady Judd, Sheriff.

At this time, there is no evidence or information that Ms. Matagolai is a victim of human trafficking. Ms. Matagolai did not disclose to detectives that she is a victim.

Anyone with information about illegal activities or suspected human trafficking occurring in a Polk County massage parlor business is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com & click the “Submit a Tip” tab. Citizens may also download the P3TIPS app on their cell phone or mobile device.