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.

Feb 18, 2025

WANTED: PCSO searching for swan thieves

Media Contact: Meghan Petty, PIO

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two known suspects who have Polk County warrants for their arrests for stealing two black swans and swan eggs from the Highland Village neighborhood in Lakeland on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

At approximately 5:00 AM on February 13, the caretakers of the swans (Luna and Sturling) found them missing from the property and called deputies. PCSO Agricultural Crimes (Ag) detectives responded to the scene to begin an investigation.

Thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen, Luna, Sturling, and their eggs were located safely in Miami-Dade County. PCSO Ag detectives retrieved the missing birds on Monday, February 17, 2025, and returned them home to Highland Village.

"I’m thrilled that these swans were quickly and safely found and will soon be back home. My sincere thanks to this member of the community for doing the right thing by reaching out to us upon discovering they had been stolen. We couldn’t accomplish these good outcomes without the support of outstanding citizens." – Grady Judd, Sheriff

PCSO agricultural detectives have identified Alfredo Casanova, age 29 of Homestead, FL and Jordan Montoya, age 27 and also of Homestead, FL as the thieves. They both have arrest warrants for felony burglary and grand theft for stealing the swans. We are actively searching for these suspects and encourage anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact our Ag detectives at 863-534-7205. Tips can be emailed to tips@polksheriff.org. Alfredo Casanova was previously convicted of grand theft (and other charges) out of Monroe County, and spent over 2 years in state prison. Jordan Montoya does not have a criminal history in Polk County.

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
• CALL 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
• DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
• VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip"
• DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet