Police claim they have reports of a man trying to lure a teen girl into his van in Winter Haven. The incident was reported to have happened Thursday afternoon in front of Polk State College. Investigators said the man attempted to lure a 15-year- old girl into his van and…
A former Florida lawmaker has been arrested and charged with abusing his wife of 10 years, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Former Rep. Baxter Troutman, 52, was arrested early Saturday after his wife made multiple domestic violence accusations against him. According to authorities, the woman said she and…
A lieutenant with the Haines City Fire Department faces a charge of battery domestic violence. The 32-year-old was taken into custody Friday evening, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. A news release said the man “battered his girlfriend” after the two began arguing. The woman allegedly had visible bruises…
A 33-year-old youth softball coach from Auburndale is facing charges of having sex with a minor. The 33-year-old was taken into custody Friday after authorities talked to the 17-year-old girl. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland girl told authorities she had consensual sex with the man in…
A Haines City High School teacher is accused of having explicit, sexual conversations with a 15-year-old boy in Texas. The 27-year-old faces felony charges from Winter Haven Police. She told police the teen told her he was 19 years old. According to police, the boy’s mother found out about the…
A former Polk County school principal was arrested Friday morning on allegations of fraud and theft. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged the 46-year-old former principal with 60 counts of dealing in stolen property, 16 counts passing forged or altered documents, 2 counts fraudulent use of credit card, 1…
A suspected drunken driver hit five middle school students as they walked home from the bus stop last month. One student later died of his injuries. A witness at the scene pointed out the car that had allegedly just crashed into the children. The black vehicle had hit another car…
A recent Polk County six-day-long undercover sting resulted in 114 arrests. The sting — dubbed “Operation Not So Silent Night” — focused on suspects allegedly advertising prostitution in online ads and human trafficking. While a total of 114 people were arrested, warrants were filed on two others. During the investigation,…
Legoland has been evacuated Thursday afternoon due to a bomb threat. Winter Haven Police, along with Legoland Florida security, are investigating the threat at the Winter Haven theme park. A bomb threat was made at the property and an evacuation was started at both the theme park and hotel for…
A Polk County ex-teacher facing 22 years in prison for child sex crimes will be asking for a lighter punishment, according to reports. The former English teacher pleaded guilty to 37 child-sex charges in March 2015 and was sentenced a few months later. The 31-year-old was initially arrested on allegations…