Jail Book In photo of Michelle English

Brandon Women Who Gave Keys to Intoxicated Friend Before Fatal Crash Convicted of Manslaughter

On 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. Bruno called her friend, Michelle English, who arrived at WAWA and asked the clerk to give her Bruno’s keys. Video surveillance showed English handing Bruno her car keys and Bruno leaving the store. Bruno immediately drove to I-4 and caused a crash that resulted in a fatality. Bruno’s DUI Manslaughter case is still pending. The case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Monica Smith and Josie Colon.

 

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Marcus Mitchell

Assistant State Attorney Courtney Durden Secures Life in Prison for Armed Burglar

On 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 one of the officers while attempting to run away. He was quickly apprehended and taken into custody. Mitchell has five prior felony charges and multiple misdemeanors from Polk County and New York. He was convicted and sentenced to Life in Prison for Burglary of a Dwelling with Battery, Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Officers with Violence. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Courtney Durden and the Winter Haven Police Department for their work on this case.

 

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Inmate photo of Charles Polen

Drunk Driver Convicted and Sentenced to 30 Years Prison for DUI Manslaughter

On February 22, 2020, Charles Polen and the victim got into a verbal argument at “The Coop” located in Babson Park. The victim left the establishment and proceeded to walk on the side of the road. When the defendant finished his beer, he got into his vehicle and ran over the victim causing blunt force trauma to her head. Instead of stopping, Polen drove back to The Coop and parked his car. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Polen was sentenced to 30 year in the Florida State Prison followed by 15 years of probation for DUI Manslaughter, Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, and Driving Without a Driver’s License. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Rachelle Williamson and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.

 

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Mock Trial Logo

Open Enrollment for Annual SAO Youth Mock Trial

The State Attorney’s Office is now accepting applications for their Annual Youth Mock Trial.

The four-day program will take place July 10th through July 13th  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 the State Attorney’s Office and learn how a criminal case makes its way through the criminal justice system. Students will attend court hearings and study current cases to see how the law is applied.

Please fill out the application attached and submit to communications10@sao10.com or mail to the Polk County Courthouse. Deadline to apply is July 3rd, 2023.

Mock Trial Flyer

Mock Trial Program APPLICATION