Winter Haven, FL — On September 21, 2023, former Deputy Sheriff Michael Brian Richards, 46 years old, was arrested on charges of DUI (driving under the influence) with serious bodily injury. Richards also faces a second DUI charge. The arrest followed his resignation from the Sheriff’s Office. Had he not resigned, he would have faced termination.
The charges stem from a single motorcycle crash that occurred on July 27, 2023, at approximately 11:45 p.m. The incident unfolded on US 92 near the Winter Haven airport, with Richards operating his 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle as the rider, and a 41-year-old female passenger accompanying him. At the time of the crash, Richards was off-duty.
Based on evidence gathered from the scene, it was determined that Richards veered off the road onto the south shoulder, leading to a loss of control over the motorcycle. The vehicle skidded uncontrollably along the grass shoulder before reentering the roadway. The motorcycle was estimated to be traveling between 65 and 80 mph in a 55-mph zone when the accident occurred. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Neither Richards nor his female passenger were wearing helmets during the ride. As a result of the crash, both individuals suffered serious injuries and were promptly transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Richards has been undergoing physical therapy since the accident and has not been able to work. The female passenger remains hospitalized with severe injuries, including a brain injury.
Deputies obtained a search warrant to collect a blood sample from Richards while he was at the hospital. The subsequent tests revealed that Richards had a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.14, well above the legal limit of 0.08 in Florida, at the time of the crash.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his disappointment and condemnation of Richards’ actions, stating, “I tell every single deputy here when they are hired that if they drink and drive, they will go to jail, and they will lose their job. That’s what happened here.” He further conveyed his sympathies and prayers for the female victim and her family, emphasizing the crash was entirely avoidable.
Richards had been employed with the agency since April 2011, starting as a deputy sheriff trainee and later becoming a deputy sheriff in August 2011. His most recent assignment within the Sheriff’s Office was as a general crimes detective.
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to cooperating with the State Attorney’s office to ensure Richards is held accountable for his actions and faces appropriate legal consequences.
