The Office of the State Attorney is committed to transparency and responds to all records requests in a timely manner. If you wish to make a request, you can do so by contacting Paul Sessions, custodian of Public Records, at (863) 534-4844 or by clicking the button to submit a request.
Recent Press Releases
Please be advised that Florida has a broad Public Records law and all e-mail correspondence to this office or anyone employed here may be subject to disclosure. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this agency. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
State Attorney’s Office Accepting Applications for 2024 Citizens Academy
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensState Attorney Brian Haas The State Attorney’s Office is accepting applications for the 2024 Citizens Academy. The six-week program will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday starting September 10th in the Bartow courthouse. The Academy gives residents in the 10th Circuit an opportunity to learn more about the criminal justice system. […]
Polk County Man Who Fled to Atlanta after Crime Spree Convicted of First Degree Murder
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensOn June 19, 2024, Taiwan Blandin was convicted of First Degree Murder, Attempted Sexual Battery, Robbery, Arson, Animal Cruelty and other charges for his October 1, 2019 crime rampage that left an 80 year old Frostproof woman dead in her home. Following the crime spree, a nationwide man hunt ensued, with Blandin finally being apprehended […]
State Attorney’s Office Youth Mock Trial Program
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensThe State Attorney’s Office is now accepting applications for their Annual Youth Mock Trial. The four-day program will take place June 17th through June 20th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow. This program gives students going in to the 11th and 12th grade an opportunity to work with prosecutors from […]
State Attorney Brian Haas attended the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven 63rd Annual Pancake Festival. Thank you Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven for your continued commitment to improving our community and inviting us to this fun event.
Man Convicted and Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2nd Degree Murder and Attempted Murder
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensElbert Gillins, 60, was convicted and sentenced to Life in Prison for 2nd Degree Murder and Attempted Murder on October 3, 2019, in an alleyway near 210 E. Myrtle Street in Lakeland, a verbal argument between the defendant, Elbert Gillins, and two victims quickly escalated to violence. During the altercation, Gillins armed himself with a […]
Former Owner of Folsom Construction Convicted and Sentenced to Florida State Prison
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie Owens