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PCSO Deputies Arrest Three Teenaged Brothers After A Rash of Car Burglaries in Lakeland

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PCSO Deputies Arrest Three Teenaged Brothers After A Rash of Car Burglaries in Lakeland

On October 1, 2021, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested three teenaged brothers: 14-year-old Adarius Valdez of Wauchula, 15-year-old Hasachi Thompson of Bartow and 18-year-old Malachi Thompson of Bartow for multiple car burglaries in unincorporated Lakeland where three firearms and multiple other items were stolen. Adarius and Malachi are prolific juvenile offenders, and at the time of the burglaries, they were on probation – Malachi for Vehicle Burglary and Adarius for Grand Theft.

“These two out of control juveniles are another prime example of the Department of Juvenile Justice not holding serious juvenile criminals accountable, resulting in more crime and more victims. When juveniles are not held appropriately accountable by DJJ, the juveniles believe they can continue to do what they like—their criminal conduct escalates in both number and severity. This makes our communities, citizens, and businesses less safe.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The three have been arrested and charged with a total of 304 crimes for the burglary crime spree.

Malachi Thompson’s criminal history includes 9 previous criminal charges (5 of which were felonies) including Grand Theft, Loitering and Prowling, Vehicle Burglary, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, False Information to a Law Enforcement Officer. Malachi was arrested for:

  • Conspiracy to Commit Vehicle Burglary (F3) (19 counts)
  • Grand Theft of a Firearm (F3) (3 counts)
  • Petit Theft (M2) (13 counts)
  • Armed Burglary Dwelling/Vehicle (F1) (19 counts)
  • Possession of Burglary Tools (F3) (19 counts)
  • Use/Display of a Firearm during a Felony (F2) (1 count)
  • Loitering/Prowling (M2) (3 counts)
  • Wearing a Mask on the Property of Another (M2) (1 Count)
  • Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer without Violence (M1) (5 counts)
  • Interference with Custody of a Minor (F3) (2 counts)
  • Wearing Mask/Hood on Public Property (M2) (1 count)
  • Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure (F3) (1 count)
  • Unlawful Possession of 5 or more Personal IDs (F3) (1 count)
  • Carrying a Concealed Firearm (F3) (1 count)
  • Trespassing (M1) (3 counts)
  • Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (M1) (2 counts)

Adarius Valdez’s criminal history includes 13 previous criminal charges including 7 vehicle burglaries and 6 thefts in Hardee County in 2020, which were merged into a single count of Grand Theft. He was sentenced to probation, and then, in August of 2021, he was listed as probation absconder and a juvenile pick-up order was issued for his arrest.

“Why isn’t this prolific juvenile being taken seriously by DJJ? Who is keeping tabs on him? What kind of ‘community-based care’ or program is he involved with? Is this care provider or program being held accountable?” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

Adarius was arrested for:

  • Armed Burglary of Vehicle (F1) (17 counts)
  • Attempted Armed Burglary of Vehicle (2 counts)
  • Conspiracy to Commit Vehicle Burglary (F3) (19 counts)
  • Grand Theft of a Firearm (F3) (3 counts)
  • Petit Theft (M2) (13 counts)
  • Trespassing (M1) (3 counts)
  • Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer without Violence (M1) (4 counts)
  • Loitering/Prowling (M2) (2 counts)
  • Possession of Burglary Tools (F3) (19 counts)
  • Unlawful Possession of 5 or more Personal IDs (F3) (1 count)
  • Carrying a Concealed Firearm (F3) (1 count) 
  • Committing a Criminal Offense while in Possession of a Firearm (19 counts)
  • Wearing Mask/Hood on Public Property (M2) (1 count)
  • Wearing a Mask on the Property of Another (M2) (1 Count)

Hasachi Thompson’s prior criminal history includes a charge of Larceny Grand Theft for which he completed court ordered diversion. He also was charged with failure to appear in court. He was reported as a missing runaway in August of this year. 

“When a juvenile fails to appear in court and runs away from juvenile supervision and there is no consequence, it encourages more criminal behavior. Some of these juvenile offenders are thumbing their nose at the system—there must be appropriate accountability in our juvenile justice system.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

Hasachi was arrested for:

  • Armed Burglary of Vehicle (F1) (17 counts)
  • Attempted Armed Burglary of Vehicle (2 counts)
  • Conspiracy to Commit Vehicle Burglary (F3) (19 counts)
  • Grand Theft of a Firearm (F3) (3 counts)
  • Petit Theft (M2) (13 counts)
  • Trespassing (M1) (1 counts)
  • Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer without Violence (M1) (5 counts)
  • Loitering/Prowling (M2) (1 counts)
  • Possession of Burglary Tools (F3) (19 counts)
  • Culpable Negligence (2 counts)
  • Unlawful Possession of 5 or more Personal IDs (F3) (1 count)
  • Carrying a Concealed Firearm (F3) (1 count)
  • Committing a Criminal Offense while in Possession of a Firearm (19 counts)
  • Wearing Mask/Hood on Public Property (M2) (1 count)
  • Wearing a Mask on the Property of Another (M2) (1 Count)

“These three brothers are have 24 previous criminal charges combined – and now they have been charged with an additional 304 crimes for this burglary spree. They’ve had numerous chances with probation and diversion programs. It’s time for the juvenile criminal justice system to hold them accountable for victimizing innocent, hard-working people. Because of my deputies’ great work, they were quickly taken off the streets before they could victimize anyone else. Also, for community members, it feels like I say this too often – please, lock up your belongings—don’t make it easy for these criminals to steal your hard earned property. An unlocked vehicle is an easy target.”   – Grady Judd, Sheriff

During the early morning hours of Friday, October 1, 2021, deputies responded to the Highland City area in unincorporated Lakeland to investigate reports of multiple vehicle burglaries.

With the assistance of PCSO K-9 deputies and the Aviation Unit, Malachi, Adarius, and Hasachi were found hiding in a large plant in a resident’s backyard. The three refused deputies’ commands and attempted to flee the area.

Hasachi struggled with deputies, breaking free before attempting to jump over a fence before being apprehended. Malachi and Adarius jumped over a fence and ran into another residential backyard. They were quickly apprehended.

Adarius admitted to deputies that he and his brothers had met up in Wauchula and planned to burglarize vehicles in the Highland City area. He also said he chose to be the look-out during the burglaries because he was already on probation for doing the same thing.

Deputies searched the suspects and recovered three stolen handguns, ammunition, credit/debit cards, identifications, and other stolen items. This investigation is on-going as it is possible more victims could come forward.

The PCSO Traffic Unit is Investigating A Fatal Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Crash In Fort Meade

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The PCSO Traffic Unit is Investigating A Fatal Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Crash In Fort Meade

The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash that occurred around 2:30 a.m. this morning (10-5-21) in Fort Meade. Preliminary details are as follows:

Around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, ECC received a 911 call in reference to a pedestrian who was struck by a truck and trailer on U.S. 17 about a mile south of C.R. 460 in the Homeland area of Fort Meade. The investigation revealed that 72-year-old Vernal Beckford of Fort Meade was walking south on the edge of the roadway with his back to on-coming traffic. Beckford possibly stumbled into the lane of traffic and into the path of a 2007 International truck towing a box trailer driven by 33-year-old Cainyn Cooper of North Port, Florida.

Mr. Cooper was uninjured and immediately stopped to render aid and call 911.

Mr. Beckford died at the scene.

The roadway was dark at the time of the crash, and Mr. Beckford was wearing dark colored clothing. No charges are expected.

Southbound U.S. 17 was closed in both directions for approximately 3 hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.

Retired Fire Chief Wins First Place at Inagural First Responders Golf Tournament

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Retired Fire Chief Wins First Place at Inagural First Responders Golf Tournament

Retired Fire Chief Wins First Place at Inagural First Responders Golf Tournament

by James Coulter

Jeff Calcutt served 35 years with Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR), having retired last year as the Battalion Chief. He reunited with fellow co-workers and first responders last Friday to play a round of gold during the inagural first responder golf tournament at Southern Dunes in Haines City.

At 58 points, his team won first place. He and his team mates, Robert Weech, Tony Autorino, sand Brandon Langwith, each received a trophy. Of course, the biggest prize of them all was being able to play golf with good friends for a good cause, he said.

“It feels great,” he said. “It was a great day of golf. And more people need to come out and have a great time.”

Nearly 100 fire fighters and first responders attended the inagural PCFR golf tournament last Friday at Southern Dunes in Haines City. In fact, the event received so many attendees that some teams unfortunately had to be shut out, explained Jessica Ray, engineer, paramedic, and treasurer for the PCFR union.

“We had a really great turnout. Way more than expected,” she said. “Next year, we intend to have more available spots.”

Proceeds from the tournament went towards assisting first responders and their families in need. One fire fighter recently lost their wife to COVID last month, so some proceeds will benefit him and his children, Ray explained.

Overall, the inagural tournament far exceeded initial expectations, as it drew in fire fighters and other first responders from all over the county, from Lakeland to Haines City. Next year’s event is expected to hopefully draw in even more, Ray said.

“Southern Dunes has immensely exceeded our expectations,” she said. “It was three months turnaround, and we exceeded our expectations…For the future, I would love to see more teams out here [and] more whole sponsorships.”

Melanie Brown, founder of Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, participated in the event to help provide the luncheon after the tournament. As someone who’s organization raises funds and awareness for first responders, she wanted to assist an event that shares her same goals, she said.

During the event, she promoted her own organization through “Saving Lives Matters” wristbands and other memorabilia. She also participated in the raffle by offering a cooler filled with Jack Daniels, a sponsor of hers, and other goodies.

“I am honored to be here,” she said. “I am glad they asked me to come out. It is what I do to raise money…This is also part of the entire thing I do, which is to honor first responders.”

Lora Donley also volunteered for the event. An employee at Victory Ridge Academy, she has assisted with other fundraisers including the annual Rockin on the River. The turnout more than exceeded her expectations. She appreciated being able to assist the many first responders who put their lives on the line to assist others, she said.

“They put boots on the ground to do what none of us would even think of doing,” she said. “They are the heart and soul. They take care of us…[I appreciated] Being able to put faces with the masks. They are dressed up and doing what they do best and to see them off the clock and be able to enjoy themselves is special.”

Bartow Chalk Walk Chalks Up Its Third Year

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Bartow Chalk Walk Chalks Up Its Third Year

Bartow Chalk Walk Chalks Up Its Third Year

by James Coulter

Joel Nathan loves animated Miyazaki movies. His favorites are a tie between Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Such a big name in animation deserved a big tribute. So when Nathan arrived at the Bartow Chalk Walk last weekend, he could think of no better subject for a chalk portrait than Hayao Miyazaki himself.

Nathan spent Saturday and Sunday meticulously detailing his chalk tribute, with Miyazaki as the centerpiece and his various animated characters surrounding him, including characters from movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Nausicaa of the Wind.

“I have wanted to do Miyazaki for a long time,” he said. “I always wanted to do a Miyazaki portrait, something grandiose for him, a tribute for him, because I love his animation. It is so phenomenal. I think he deserves a large piece like this. So I thought Bartow was the best place to do something like this.”

Nathan has been creating chalk drawings for the past three years. He started in February 2018 when he made a piece commemorating the theatrical premiere of Black Panther. His artwork went wildly viral in the Columbian community. He would then create works of Elton John, Hootie and the Blowfish, and for events like Comic-Con and other art festivals.

What he loves most about his particular artwork is the interaction he receives from onlookers. People passively appreciate most other art, but chalking allows them to see the art being created in real-time, allowing ample opportunity for them to interact with the artist.

“You get to have that one-on-one experience, being a performer, and being able to interact with bystanders and passersby and visitors at events like this, and they get to appreciate it better and understand the art process it takes to make art,” he said. “It is easy to see something in a museum or see something that someone created already, but to be able to witness that process is intimate between artists and appreciators of art.”

Nathan was one of the 23 artists who attended the third annual Bartow Chalk Walk last weekend. These artists used the sidewalk in Ft. Blount Park as their canvas for their chalk drawings. Many of them were local artists within the county or state. Others traveled from as far as Mexico or Turkey.

Susan Kelly is a Tampa resident who has been attending ever since 2019. This year, she created a portrait of RuPaul. Most other artists use tempura as a base, but this was her first-timeusing paint and filling in the finer details with chalk.

“It is RuPaul, whom I really admire,” she said. “This painting, the image spoke to me. I hope I did her justice. She is very beautiful. She is an amazing person.”

When she last attended the festival in 2019, her artwork was washed away during a downpour. Fortunately, the weather this year was sunny without a single cloud in the sky.

“I love this festival,” she said. “It is small. Everyone is friendly, and they are really good with the artists…I have been doing a lot of stuff in my neighborhood, so I am really happy we are doing it.”

This year was the third annual Bartow Chalk Walk. Due to these uncertain times, the event was also hosted virtually, with chalk portraits posted online to allow people to view the artwork and vote on it without traveling to Downtown Bartow. However, those who were able to make it downtown were able to peruse not only chalk art but also various food trucks and vendors, as well as visit many downtown cafes and stores.

“The artists have spent two days chalking in the hot sun on the hot pavement bringing art to life,” said event organizer Trish Pfifer. “It is beautiful. It is bringing art to life. We are so glad that the artists have come [and it was a] great day to come out and chalk and see the beautiful artwork.”

Bartow Chalk Walk hopes to host their event again next year, same time and same place: at Ft. Blount Park on the first weekend of October. As for this year, despite these uncertain times, people were more than willing to venture out and enjoy the fresh air, even if they needed to wear a mask to do so. The overall good weather more than attracted a decent turnout, she said.

“It is an outdoor event for one thing,” she said. “The weather is great, people like being out, if people are masked up, if they want to be, if not, we are enjoying the fresh air, and art makes people happy. So here we are having a happy day.”

Mulberry Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Festival

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Mulberry Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Festival

Mulberry Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Festival

by James Coulter

When Maribel Garay learned that her hometown was hosting a Hispanic Heritage Festival, she considered it an opportune moment for her and her church to spread the good word. She and her congregation from Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal in Lakeland set up a booth to pass out bags of candy, hand sanitizer, and pamphlets with info about their church location and service times.

“We think everybody needs the LORD…so whoever wants to visit, they can come,” she said.

Maribel and her fellow church members enjoyed being able to participate that afternoon to celebrate their shared Hispanic heritage with everyone, regardless whether they spoke English or Spanish.

“It is great, a beautiful day, and we are participating with all Hispanic people…and with whoever wants to join us,” she said.“We are able to gather again with people. It was great because we all get together so it is hundred percent for me.”

Her church was one of many local organizations to attend the annual Mulberry Hispanic Heritage Festival. On Saturday afternoon, several dozen vendors set up booths in Spence Park to offer food, merchandise, and other activities to celebrate the community’s rich, diverse heritage.

Dani Higgins attended with her students from Mulberry High School. She has worked within the migrant education program in Polk County Schools for 17 years. She currently sponsors the high school Spanish club, Adelante.

During the festival last Saturday, she and her students shared arts and crafts about Hispanic culture, allowing attendees to fill in coloring sheets with Spanish phrases and cultural references. Dani and her club participate in many local community service projects throughout the year. While the festival appeared to havea lower turnout due to these uncertain times, overall, the people who did attend seemed to enjoy themselves, she said.

“I think it is very important to have events like these that are inclusive of different groups in our community, and I think it is important to celebrate all of the different cultures that are represented in our city,” she said.

Mulberry has hosted the Hispanic Heritage Festival to celebrate their local Hispanic community and their contributions to the Greater Mulberry Area. The annual event was hosted by the Greater Mulberry Chamber of Commerce, with assistance from new organizations such as the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Ritzmo DJ Services.

Especially after a year and a half long pandemic, the outdoor event offered a lively and safe venue through which local residents could spend quality time outside with friends, family, and neighbors.

“It is a great time for people to get together and celebrate,” she said. “It was nice to get outside and safely celebrate.”

The turnout for the festival overall met initial expectations, especially considering the current pandemic. To ensure public health and safety, attendees were highly recommended to wear masks and social distance. Overall, the good weather drew out plenty of people willing to enjoy a tranquil environmentoutdoors.

“It has been great,” Young said. “We see a lot of smiling happy faces. Lots of fellowships, peoples playing games, socializing, getting to spend time together, and celebrate what this is all about. The City of Mulberry recognizes that the Hispanic Community is a large and proud part of our culture and we want to do our part in celebrating the history and contributions of our celebration. So anything we can do to be a inclusive and diverse environment, we are all about it.”

19 Yr Old Man Struck And Killed In Lakeland

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19 Yr Old Man Struck And Killed In Lakeland

The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash that occurred early this morning (10-2-21) in unincorporated Lakeland. Preliminary details are as follows:

Around 3:40 a.m. on Saturday, October 2, 2021, ECC received a 911 call in reference to a man who was struck by a vehicle on 1st Street NW at Dove Meadow Trail in unincorporated Lakeland. The investigation revealed that 19-year-old Einlazer Gore of Lakeland was walking west on the roadway, along or just inside the fog line, when 23-year-old Brian Reid of Lakeland, also traveling west on 1st Street NW, struck Gore, throwing him into a ditch along the road way. Mr. Reid was driving a blue 2009 Chevrolet Impala.

 

Mr. Reid was uninjured and immediately stopped to render aide and call 911.

 

Mr. Gore died at the scene.

 

Speed, distracted driving, and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash. The roadway was dark at the time of the crash, and Mr. Gore was not wearing light colored clothing.

 

1st Street NW was closed in both directions for approximately 3 hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.

 

Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On Davenport Triple Homicide

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Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On Davenport Triple Homicide

Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 2 PM, today, Saturday, October 2nd, on location about a triple homicide that occurred this morning in unincorporated Davenport.

After a two hour manhunt the suspect has been captured.

At around 9:40am an ems call went out for multiple stabbing victims in that area. We cannot confirm if the deaths are a result of that call at this time.

The murders occurred near the Kona Lane & Summer Drive area of Davenport.

PCSO Arrests 47-Year-Old Lakeland Man Who Posed As A Teenager To Obtain Nude Photos of a 14-year-Old Girl

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PCSO Arrests 47-Year-Old Lakeland Man Who Posed As A Teenager To Obtain Nude Photos of a 14-year-Old Girl

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 47-year old man after an investigation showed that he had been posing as a 17-year old boy while soliciting nude photos of a local 14-year old girl

Timothy Jacobs of Lakeland was charged Thursday, September 30, 2021, with Directing Sexual Performance by a Child (F2), Using a Computer to Seduce a Child (F3), Use of a Communication Device to Commit a Felony (F2), and Transmitting Material Harmful to a Minor (F3).

Jacobs first made contact with the victim in March of 2020 via the social media app Snapchat, and they began chatting with each other. During these chats, Jacobs told the victim he was 17-years old, and she had informed him that she was 14.

By the end of May of 2020, Jacobs started requesting nude photos of the victim, which she eventually provided. Jacobs began sending her nude photos of himself.

On October 17, 2020, Jacobs drove to the victim’s house, and when he arrived the victim was in the yard with her step-father. As the step-father shook Jacobs’ hand, he realized that Jacobs was definitely not a teenager, and told the victim to go in the house. Jacobs got back into his vehicle and left.

The victim’s mother began reviewing cell phone bills and found that one particular phone number had been associated with her daughter’s phone.

Utilizing an online search, she found that the phone number belonged to Timothy Jacobs. Further research turned up an address and the name of Jacob’s wife, who happened to be a friend of the victim’s mother.

The woman then reached out to her friend and confirmed that the phone number belonged to Timothy Jacobs. Jacobs’ wife also said that Timothy obtained a new phone number earlier that day.

The victim’s mother contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and reported everything that she knew about the case, and an investigation began.

After a process of interviews, subpoenas to Snapchat, search warrants, and collection of evidence, Timothy Jacobs was arrested Thursday at his home and transported to the PCSO Sheriff’s Processing Center.

“The actions of this sick manipulator have not only caused a tremendous amount of grief for the victim’s family, but to his own family as well. These were textbook tactics used by predators to groom young victims. And this is another example of why parents need to monitor their child’s activities on social media, games, and cell phones.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Update on Auburndale Shooting/Homicide from September 29th

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Update on Auburndale Shooting/Homicide from September 29th

Auburndale Police Investigating Homicide

UPDATE:  The suspect was located and arrested on 09-30-2021.

On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Auburndale Police officers responded to a 911 call regarding a reported shooting of a person in the area of 3009 Allred Drive, Auburndale, Florida. The neighborhood where this incident occurred consists mostly of structures containing multiple apartments.

Officers arrived to find a 17-year-old male lying on the ground between two apartment buildings who had been shot. Officers began lifesaving measures, including CPR, and continued until Auburndale Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue medics arrived and took over. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health medical center where he was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.

Auburndale officers, with assistance from Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and air support, as well as Winter Haven Police K9, attempted to locate the suspect. The suspect, identified as Dashaun Trevell Marshall, BM, 01/12/2005, was able to elude capture. Auburndale Police detectives obtained a juvenile pick-up order (warrant) for the arrest of Marshall on charges of second-degree murder. He is still being sought by law enforcement.

During the on-scene investigation at approximately 7:15 p.m., officers arrested Journey Danae Myricks, BF, 10/28/1996, of 6499 Polk City Road, Haines City, FL, for resisting an officer without violence. She was transported to the Polk County Jail receiving facility without further incident.

If you know the whereabouts of Dashaun Marshall you are asked to call 911 or (863)401-2240. If you witnessed the shooting, you are asked to contact Detective Alex Pena at (863)965-5555. Anyone with information may call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward.

***UPDATE: Disruption at Kathleen High School***

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***UPDATE: Disruption at Kathleen High School***

***UPDATE: Disruption at Kathleen High School***

Four more students were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, September 30, 2021, for their part in the large disruption at Kathleen High School in Lakeland on Monday, September 27th.

The arrests came after investigators reviewed the school’s security video and were able to identify others who criminally escalated matters beyond a simple protest.

The students who were arrested on Thursday were all charged with Disruption of School Function and Resisting without Violence (both are misdemeanors). The arrested include a 17-year-old male, a 17-year-old female, a 15-year-old female, and a 14-year-old male.

Two other students who had already been arrested received additional charges.

17-year-olds Francisco Montes and Joseph Gray, who had already been charged with Disruption of a School Function and Resisting, were additionally charged with Battery on a LEO (F3).

Detectives continue to review videos of the September 27th incident, and there may be more arrests as a result of this ongoing investigation.

Original Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 15 students this morning.

* 12 were charged with Disruption of School Function and Resisting Officer without Violence

* 1 was charged with Disruption of School Function , Resisting Officer without Violence,  False Name to LEO, and

  Possession of Weapon on Campus.

* 2 were charged with Affray.

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