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 16, 2025

Burglary suspect approaches detective during investigation to confess his crime

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

A charity organization located in Wahneta was the target of a recent burglary and theft, and it was witnessed by a bystander.

It occurred early Tuesday morning, at around 1:15am. The suspect was seen entering the structure and removing property.

Through the investigation, a detective determined the suspect was 40-year old Clinton Dale Dean, Jr.

The detective didn't have to go looking for Mr. Dean, because he returned to the scene and walked right up to the detective to talk about the crime.

During that discussion Mr. Dean admitted to the crime.

Clinton Dale Dean, Jr. was arrested and taken to the jail.

He was charged with burglary and felony petit theft.