Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a former deputy who had been assigned as an advisor for the agency’s cadet program.
Skylar Lamar Bush, 29, was charged Tuesday, April 28, 2026, with Authority Figure Engaging in a Romantic Relationship with a Student (F2), Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3), and Unlawful Use of a 2-Way Communication Device (F3).
According to the Sheriff’s Office, another cadet reported on Monday that she witnessed inappropriate communications between Bush and a 16-year-old cadet under his supervision. Detectives initiated an investigation and made contact with the victim, who confirmed the communications and stated that some of the messages were “weird.”
Investigators said messages sent by Bush included statements that he was falling in love with the victim and that he wanted her to have his children.
During an interview with detectives, Bush admitted to being “emotionally entangled” with the victim. He also stated that he deleted his text messages and instructed the victim to delete hers. Sheriff Grady Judd stated there is currently no evidence or allegations of physical contact, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Bush resigned from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He had been employed with the agency since August 2022.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
