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.
Shawn Fitzgerald, Former Lakeland High School Teacher, Soccer Coach and Youth Minister, Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography.
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensFitzgerald was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in November 2020. The investigation revealed that Fitzgerald possessed more than 700 pictures and videos of children, as young as infants, being sexually abused by adults or sexually exploited. The child pornography was located on Fitzgerald’s cell phone in multiple encrypted apps; including one app that […]
State Attorney’s Office Youth Mock Trial 2023
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensThe State Attorney’s Office recently hosted its Youth Mock Trial Program. Nine High School students thinking about pursuing careers as attorneys or law enforcement attended our week-long program to learn more about our court system and try some mock cases in a courtroom. In addition to being mentored by a handful of our prosecutors throughout […]
Lake Wales Man Convicted for 2nd Degree Murder in Wife’s 2019 Death
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensOn June 11th, 2019, Ronald Strouse, 77, called 911 and told the operator a “lady” was fighting with him. The “lady” turned out to be Strouse’s 77 year old wife of almost 50 years of marriage. Later in the call, the defendant told the 911 operator he and his wife were physically fighting and he […]
State Attorney’s Office Annual Year’s of Service and Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensThe State Attorney’s Office held its Annual Years of Service and Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony recently, several officers were recognized for their exemplary work on a particular case and those who went above and beyond their routine job duties in efforts to assist our office. Sergeant Caleb Swenson -Polk County Sheriff’s Office […]
Brandon Women Who Gave Keys to Intoxicated Friend Before Fatal Crash Convicted of Manslaughter
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensOn November 24, 2021, Michelle English visited multiple bars in Lakeland with her friend Lucretia Bruno, who was heavily drinking. Bruno left the bar and drove to a WAWA convenience store. After showing signs of impairment, the store clerk was given her keys by another customer who had observed Bruno with obvious signs of impairment. […]
Assistant State Attorney Courtney Durden Secures Life in Prison for Armed Burglar
/in SAO10 Blog /by Jamie OwensOn October 21st, 2021, Marcus Mitchell forced his way in the home of the victim. Once inside Mitchell pistol whipped the victim with a gun and threatened to kill her. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for her injuries. When law enforcement contacted Mitchell, he gave them a false name and pushed […]