PCSO Deputy Resigns After Being Arrested for Stealing Cash During Traffic Stop

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published June 26th, 2025

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FORT MEADE, FL — A Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) deputy has resigned in disgrace after being arrested for stealing money during a traffic stop, according to a statement released by the agency.

Justin Register, 28, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with petit theft (M1) following a criminal investigation triggered by two fellow deputies. Register submitted his resignation upon arrest. Sheriff Grady Judd confirmed that, had he not resigned, Register would have been terminated.

“I am disgusted by Justin Register’s dishonest behavior,” said Sheriff Judd. “We are going to hold him accountable for his disgraceful actions, and he should never be trusted to work in law enforcement again. I am proud of the two other deputies who came forward to report what they discovered.”

The incident occurred during a traffic stop near Fort Meade. Register had arrested a driver for operating a vehicle without a valid license. Deputies Joseph Leon and Vito Mineo responded as backup and witnessed suspicious behavior involving the driver’s wallet and phone, which Register had secured in the trunk of his patrol car.

Deputy Leon observed Register revisit the trunk several times. When the driver’s daughter arrived to take custody of his belongings, Register handed her $82 from the wallet. The driver later claimed there should have been $300 more.

During a subsequent search of the scene, Leon and Mineo discovered a paystub confirming the driver had recently cashed a $400 check. Leon later saw Register return to the trunk, unzip a rifle bag, and retrieve folded bills—stating, “Oh, here it is!”

The deputies immediately reported their observations to their supervisor, prompting the internal investigation that led to Register’s arrest.

The PCSO confirmed that all of Register’s previous arrests and traffic stops are now under audit. The office is working with the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office to review active prosecutions involving Register.

Anyone with information about misconduct related to Justin Register is encouraged to contact the PCSO Administrative Investigation Section at 863-298-6506.

📸 Mugshot Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff’s Office

By iSkyNews.com Staff

🔗 https://www.iSkyNews.com

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