Zephyrhills Police Department

10/19/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Zephyrhills Police Department recently welcomed representatives from Sunrise of Pasco, Inc., who visited our agency to help raise awareness about domestic violence and the resources available to those affected.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. By raising awareness, recognizing the warning signs, and supporting survivors, we can help make a difference.

We thank Sunrise of Pasco for their continued efforts to support survivors and promote safer, healthier relationships throughout Zephyrhills and surrounding communities in Pasco.

09/28/2026

👮 Congratulations to Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) Chief Derek Brewer on his recent recognition in the "Notable Men" publication, highlighting his nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience, dedication to public service, and commitment to strengthening the Zephyrhills community.

🔗 Read his full feature: https://notablemen.com/connect/derek-brewer

The feature showcases Chief Brewer’s leadership at ZPD, his approach to community-focused policing, and his work as co-founder of the Community Hope and Intervention Project of Zephyrhills (CHIPZ), a nonprofit dedicated to connecting individuals and families in need with essential resources.

We are proud to see Chief Brewer recognized for his continued dedication to serving Z-Hills!

09/16/2026

🚔Welcome to ZPD, Officer Mathis!🚔

The Zephyrhills Police Department is proud to welcome Officer Sierra Mathis to our team! Officer Mathis was officially sworn in by Chief Derek Brewer during Monday night’s Zephyrhills City Council meeting.

Officer Mathis brings a strong background in public service to ZPD, including five years in the U.S. Army Reserve, experience with the Florida Department of Corrections, and associate and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice from Polk State College. She later completed the Law Enforcement Academy at Pasco-Hernando State College, earning her certification as a law enforcement officer.

Her swearing-in also marked a milestone for our agency, as Officer Mathis becomes the first African American female police officer to serve with the Zephyrhills Police Department.

Join us in welcoming Officer Mathis to ZPD and wishing her the very best as she begins this new chapter serving the Zephyrhills community!

09/02/2026

The Zephyrhills Police Department is renewing its appeal for information in the 2007 disappearance of Carlton McCarthy Ireland.

🎥 Tampa Bay 28 recently spoke with Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer about the case and the continued search for answers.

📞 Anyone with information is asked to contact the ZPD tip line at 813-819-8847.

No detail is too small, and it is never too late to come forward.

09/01/2026

**Update**

He has been located. Thank you.

**Update**

We need your assistance in locating Riley Williams, age 13, who was reported missing and last seen in the area of Green Slope Dr and Pretty Pond Rd, Zephyrhills, on 08/31/26 at approximately 09:00 PM. He is 5’06” and 108 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing dark pants or shorts and a black hoodie.

If you have any information, please contact the Zephyrhills Police Department (813)780-0050 Opt. 1. Thank you

08/26/2026

Zephyrhills Police Renew Appeal for Information in 2007 Disappearance of Carlton McCarthy Ireland

The Zephyrhills Police Department is renewing its appeal for information concerning the disappearance of Carlton McCarthy Ireland, who has been missing since the spring of 2007.

Ireland was 54 years old when he disappeared from Zephyrhills. His last known account activity was a water bill payment on April 18, 2007. Five days later, on April 23, he was documented pawning a ring in Tampa, his last known in-person activity.

His vehicle, a red 1997 Toyota Tercel, also disappeared and has never been recovered.

Ireland was born in Jamaica and had known acquaintances there. He was also known to frequent Tampa and Dade City, Florida. Ireland was known to attend dog track races.

Nearly two decades have passed, but Ireland’s family continues to search for answers. They deserve to know what happened to him and where he may be.

“Carlton Ireland has a family that has lived with unanswered questions for far too long,” said Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer. “As time passes, people’s circumstances and relationships change. Someone who may not have felt comfortable speaking in 2007 may be ready to come forward today. Even a seemingly minor memory could help provide Carlton’s family with the answers they have been waiting for.”

The Zephyrhills Police Department asks anyone who knew Ireland, encountered him around the time of his disappearance, saw his vehicle, or has heard information about what may have happened to him to contact investigators.

Information may come from Zephyrhills, Tampa, Dade City, Jamaica, dog tracks, or any other location where Ireland had personal, employment, or social connections.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Zephyrhills Police Department tip line at 813-819-8847. Information may also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.

No detail is too small, and it is never too late to come forward.

08/05/2026

07/27/2026

🎥 IN THE NEWS: The Zephyrhills Police Department was recently featured by Tampa Bay 28 following a four-day enforcement operation targeting human trafficking, commercial s*xual exploitation, solicitation of prostitution, and individuals seeking unlawful s*xual contact with minors.

The operation resulted in eight arrests and reflects ZPD's continued commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable.

07/21/2026

Zephyrhills Police Department Announces Eight Arrests Following Four-Day Sexual Exploitation Enforcement Operation

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. -- The Zephyrhills Police Department, with the assistance of the St. Petersburg Police Department conducted a four-day enforcement operation targeting human trafficking, commercial s*xual exploitation, the solicitation of prostitution, and individuals seeking unlawful s*xual contact with minors.

The operation resulted in the arrests of eight individuals on charges ranging from soliciting prostitution to human trafficking and traveling to meet a minor for s*xual activity. The arrests and listed charges include:

• Jorge Silva Montebello - Human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

• Marvin Thornton - Traveling to meet a minor for s*x, attempted human trafficking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and prohibited use of computer services.

• Glenn Logan - Traveling to meet a minor for s*x and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

• David Exantus - Soliciting prostitution.

• Kendall Freeman - Soliciting prostitution.

• Charles Derr - Soliciting prostitution.

• Destiny Rodriguez - Soliciting prostitution.

• Sheila Gomez-Fontanez - Soliciting prostitution.

“This operation reflects our continued commitment to identifying individuals who exploit vulnerable people, attempt to engage in unlawful s*xual activity with minors, or contribute to the demand that allows commercial s*xual exploitation to continue,” said Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer. “We are grateful for the assistance and partnership of the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force. Collaborative operations such as this strengthen our ability to protect vulnerable individuals and hold offenders accountable.”

The Zephyrhills Police Department reminds the public that human trafficking and s*xual exploitation may occur through force, fraud, coercion, manipulation, or the commercial exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim is encouraged to contact law enforcement.

06/02/2026

🚔🏆 ZPD Awards & Recognition Ceremony

Last week, the Zephyrhills Police Department gathered at Zephyrhills City Hall to recognize employees, volunteers, and specialty units for awards earned during calendar year 2025.

These awards celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and service demonstrated by our team throughout the year. From lifesaving actions and distinguished performance to years of service, specialized assignments, and community involvement, each recipient represents the very best of the ZPD.

Congratulations to our agency's top award recipients, including:

🏅 Officer of the Year - Officer Heather Triplett-Keith
Recognized for her professionalism, initiative, leadership, and commitment to serving the Zephyrhills community.

🏅 Employee of the Year - Lauren Freda
Honored for her outstanding service, positive attitude, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities while supporting the department in multiple critical roles.

🏅 Lifesaving Awards - Officer Paul Fellows and Officer Jayven Fitzpatrick
Officer Fellows was recognized for applying a tourniquet and stabilizing a shooting victim suffering from life-threatening bleeding. Officer Fitzpatrick was honored for administering Narcan and providing critical care that helped save the life of an overdose victim.

🏅 Chief's Award - Lauren Freda
Recognized for her exceptional contributions to the department and her unwavering dedication to supporting officers, staff, and agency operations.

🏅 Volunteer of the Year – Gwen Beasley
Honored for her dedicated service as a crossing guard, helping keep local students safe and serving as a positive and dependable presence in our community.

The ceremony also recognized members of the ZPD for distinguished performance, educational achievement, fitness excellence, tenure milestones, safe driving, perfect attendance, and numerous specialty assignments that contribute to the success of our department.

Thank you to every sworn officer and civilian member of the Zephyrhills Police Department for your dedication to public safety and service. We are proud to recognize your accomplishments and grateful for the positive impact you make in the Zephyrhills community each day.