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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 1, 2022
PCSO arrests Federal Corrections officer for domestic violence and preventing the victim from calling 911
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO
An officer at the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman (Sumter County), Florida was arrested at his Lakeland residence by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office during a domestic violence investigation.
33-year old Casey Lester was booked-in at the Polk County Jail and charged with Battery-Domestic Violence (M1) and Tampering with a Victim (F3).
“As an officer at a federal correctional facility, Mr. Lester should know better. He will be held responsible for his actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
A deputy responded to the residence on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at about 6:35 a.m., regarding a reported battery.
According to the arrest affidavit, the victim stated that there was an argument about Mr. Lester coming home drunk and when the victim attempted to call 911, Mr. Lester grabbed the victim’s hand to prevent the 911 call from being made.
Casey Lester has since been released from the jail on Pre-Trial Release.
Inquiries regarding Mr. Lester’s employment status should be directed to FCC Coleman.