POLK COUNTY, Fla. ( WWSB ) - Almost a year after being accused of driving under the influence while on duty, a former Polk County Deputy has been cleared after the charge was abandoned in May 2025.

Court records show the State Attorney’s Office abandoned the case against Joseph Everett, who received no conviction.

ORIGINAL REPORTING | PCSO deputy arrested for DUI while on duty, resigned upon arrest

Everett was arrested on June 22, 2024, when a supervisor at the department believed he showed up for duty under the influence after smelling alcohol on his breath and allegedly exhibiting signs of intoxication.

Everett resigned from the PCSO at the time of the arrest and cooperated with the investigation.

In May, the DUI charge was not prosecuted further and dismissed.

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