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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 Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. 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.
Oct 10, 2025
Operation Pop Top: Two sales clerks arrested for illegal sales
Media Contact: Juliana Rivera, PIO
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted compliance checks at seven convenience stores in the Winter Haven and Auburndale areas as part of the ongoing Operation Pop Top campaign. This initiative targets the illegal sale of alcohol and other restricted products to underage individuals.
During the operation, a sales clerk at the Chevron Smoke & Vape store located at 123 Magnolia Avenue in Auburndale was arrested after selling a 25 oz. can of Bud Light beer to an underage individual. The buyer was an 18-year-old member of PCSO’s Cadet 1000 program, who was assisting deputies in the undercover operation.
The clerk, 59-year-old Dawn Murphy of Auburndale, was charged with Selling Alcohol to an Underage Person (M2).
An eighth location, Twist Smoke Shop at 1132 6th Street NW in Winter Haven, was also checked for compliance with the retail sale of THC/hemp products. That store failed the check, resulting in the arrest of 23-year-old Malek Woodstock of Winter Haven. Woodstock sold a hemp extract product to the underage cadet and was charged with Selling Hemp Extract to an Underage Person (M2).
“These operations are about keeping our kids safe and holding businesses accountable. If you’re selling alcohol or hemp products, it’s your responsibility to check IDs—no excuses. We’re out there making sure you do, and if you don’t, you’ll face the consequences.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.