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.

Sep 8, 2025

Suspect arrested for multiple thefts of lottery tickets at same Lakeland store

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office have arrested a Brandon man for multiple lottery ticket thefts in Lakeland.

Four thefts of instant lottery tickets occurred at the same convenience store in south Lakeland. The thefts happened on August 24th, 28th, 29th, and 30th.

Changes were made at the store to thwart any additional thefts, and the changes worked-- the suspect made one more attempt on September 3rd, but he failed.

The total value of the lottery ticket thefts was $785.

PCSO Detectives Arcila and Evans worked diligently on the case and developed a suspect, 29-year old David Martinez Santiesteban, and an arrest warrant was obtained.

On September 5th, David arrived at the PCSO's Southwest District Office and turned himself in. He also admitted to his crimes.

David Martinez Santiesteban was charged with: Burglary (4-counts), Petit Theft (4-counts), and Attempted Burglary. David's burglary charges were enhanced one degree due to his traveling across county lines.