Home Blog Page 4

Haines City Voters Urged to Vote in Runoff Election

#image_title

By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – Haines City’s population continues to grow rapidly and is changing everything from housing to infrastructure, making local leadership decisions more significant than ever. As new residents continue to move into the city and development pushes its way through, Tuesday’s runoff election for Commission Seat 2 will help determine who guides Haines City through this time. Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 5) Former City Commissioner Horace West and political newcomer Lekia Johnson go up against one another in that race.

During the April 7 municipal election, Johnson received 34.09 percent of the vote, while West garnered 26.95 percent. However, according to the City Charter, a candidate must secure at least 51 percent to be declared the winner.

West would bring decades of experience to the job, having served 22 years as a City Commissioner. He also retired from State Farm after a 32-year career, including 24 years in management. A graduate of Haines City High School and Bethune-Cookman University, West emphasized his readiness to lead.

“I am the candidate that will help prepare Haines City for a fantastic future,” West said. “I have the experience to help us move forward and will dedicate 100 percent of my time making that happen.”

Previously, West donated his commission salary to the local communities and plans to do the same again.

“I just want people to remember that I truly just want to help,” he said. “I am so sincere about that.”

Johnson is making her first run for office. She wanted to remind residents that their concerns matter to her.

“To our amazing residents: Local voting shifts your daily quality of life,” she said. “Your concerns are real and your vote has power and, most importantly, yours matters to me … your quality-of-life matters to me … the future of our children in our town matters to me.”

Johnson is also a graduate of Haines City High School and Polk State College.

Omar Arroyo held Seat 2 until recently when he decided not to run again. Instead, he has thrown his hat into the ring for the District 4 County Commissioner seat.

There are four polling locations for the election open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Precincts 302, 306 and 341: Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 250 Park Place Blvd., Davenport.

Precincts 405 and 413: Iglesia Pentecostal Luz y Verdad, 116 N. 22nd St., Haines City.

Precincts 407 and 408: Oakland Neighborhood Center (Auditorium), 915 Ave. E, Haines City.

Precinct 409: Lake Eva Community Center, 555 Ledwith Ave., Haines City.

For more information, call the City Clerk’s office at 863.421.9924.

Child Abuse Case Upgraded to Hate Crime After Alleged Statements to Deputies

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 33-year-old Andre Brown Jr of Davenport for child abuse, a life felony enhanced due to the abuse being a hate crime.

According to the affidavit, the investigation began after a 9-year-old girl in his care contacted her mother and advised that Brown was abusing her and the two other children in the home. She then texted her mom stating, “I’m scared, he’s whooping him so hard, I’m scared.” 

During screenings with the children, they advised that Brown was mad at the 5-year-old boy “for being gay” and began slamming him on the ground multiple times. He then got upset with the two other children for an alleged past occurrence and began striking all three children with a belt. Deputies made contact with the 5-year-old boy who had marks all over his body which were consistent with being hit with a belt. During his screening, the victim disclosed that he was afraid of Brown and did not want to say anything else. 

The girl sustained bruising on her arms and one of the boys sustained bruising on his arms and legs. The 5-year-old victim had the most significant marks and bruising on his legs, arms, back, and stomach and also sustained a fracture on his right wrist and a contusion to his forehead. 

Brown told deputies that he decided to whoop the victim because the victim was gay. He advised he would “beat the gay out of him if possible, but since it wasn’t possible he would beat him more.”  

Due to Brown maliciously beating the child and causing a fracture to his right wrist for the belief of being gay, this crime is classified as a hate crime, and has been enhanced one degree. When deputies attempted to remove Brown from the scene he pulled away, became increasingly loud, and began yelling slurs. Once in handcuffs, he continued yelling and pulling away.

Brown was charged with aggravated child abuse (FL) and resisting arrest (M1).

“This was a brutal and hateful attack on a defenseless child. There is absolutely no excuse for it. We will make sure justice is served and these children get the safety and support they deserve.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Brown has an extensive criminal history including Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Theft, Theft of Utilities, Kidnapping with Intent to Commit a Felony, Home Invasion Robbery w/ a Firearm, Aggravated Battery, Battery 2nd Offense, Aggravated Battery on Pregnant Person, Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Weapon on School Property, Felony Battery, Domestic Battery Strangulation, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary of a Dwelling, Criminal Mischief, VOP, Battery-Cause Bodily Harm- Dating Violence, Conditional Release Violation Pre Trial, Battery Touch/ Strike, Marijuana Possession- Less than 20 Grams, Battery on LEO (x4), Resisting an Officer w/ Violence, Shoplifting/ Petit Theft.

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

0

To show your mom just how much she means to you, choose a Mother’s Day gift that reflects her interests and passions. As you’re looking for the perfect gift, consider these thoughtful ideas that will touch her heart.

Personalized Gifts


Show your mom how much she means to you by giving a gift uniquely tailored to her. Consider a personalized photo album filled with special memories or a custom-made piece of jewelry with her initials or birthstone. If your mom enjoys cooking, a personalized apron or cutting board with her name or a special message can be a winning gift. For the mom who loves to relax, a monogrammed robe or customized spa gift set allows her to pamper herself. You can also include a handwritten note or heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation.

DIY Gifts


Handmade gifts often hold special sentimental value and show you put thought and effort into creating something unique just for your mom. You could try making a homemade candle or bath bombs, a hand-painted picture frame or a personalized scrapbook filled with cherished memories. Alternatively, you could bake her favorite treats, prepare a special breakfast in bed or create a customized coupon book with vouchers for things like a homemade dinner or day of pampering. Get creative and have fun with your DIY gift – your mom is sure to appreciate the sentiment behind it.

Experience Gifts


Sometimes the best gifts are experiences rather than physical items. Plan a day trip to her favorite destination, book a spa day for her to relax and unwind or arrange a cooking class where she can learn new recipes. You could also surprise her with tickets to a concert, theater show or sporting event.

Practical Gifts

For busy moms who are always on the go, practical gifts can be lifesavers. Consider getting your mom a stylish yet functional tote bag or a backpack to carry all her essentials. You could also give her a smartwatch or fitness tracker to help her stay organized and track her health and fitness goals. A subscription to a meal delivery service or gifting kitchen gadgets or appliances that make meal preparation easier and more efficient are also useful ideas.

Tampa Woman Crosses Into Oncoming Lane, Strikes Lakeland Man in SR-574 Head-On Crash

A 74-year-old Tampa woman was seriously injured Friday morning following a crash in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. on State Road 574, just west of Chastain Road. Troopers say the woman was driving a Chevy Trax eastbound when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed into the westbound lane.

Her vehicle then collided nearly head-on with a Ford F-350 towing a trailer, driven by a 25-year-old Lakeland man who was traveling westbound at the time.

Following the impact, both vehicles rotated and came to rest in the roadway, blocking the highway.

The Tampa woman sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Lakeland man suffered minor injuries and was not transported.

The crash remains under investigation.

Early Morning Lakeland Crash Claims Life of 47-Year-Old Woman

A tragic crash in Polk County early Thursday morning claimed the life of a Lakeland woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 2:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026, along Memorial Boulevard near the entrance to Interstate 4. Troopers say a 47-year-old woman was driving a Nissan Maxima westbound when she lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons.

The vehicle veered off course and collided with a barrier wall. Authorities reported that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation as officials work to determine what led to the loss of control.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Makes 266 Arrests During Human Trafficking and Child Predator Enforcement Operation

Polk County Sheriff’s Office makes 266 arrests during human trafficking and child predator enforcement operation “Polk Around and Find Out”

During a multi-day-long joint-agency undercover human trafficking and child predator operation, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office made 266 arrests involved in child predators, illegal acts related to soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit prostitution, aiding/abetting or transporting prostitutes, and other charges.

Nineteen (19) suspects were arrested for a multitude of felonies related to traveling to meet a minor for sex and other similar crimes (read that release: https://tinyurl.com/ys5scj4u).

The portion of the investigation focusing on illegal acts related to prostitution and human trafficking resulted in 247 arrests. 

PCSO detectives were joined by investigators from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Attorney General James Uthmeier Office of Statewide Prosecution; Florida Department of Financial Services; State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit Brian Haas; Auburndale PD; Bartow PD; Davenport PD; Hardee County Sheriff’s Office; Highlands County Sheriff’s Office; Lake County Sheriff’s Office; and the San Francisco Police Department, during the prostitution and human trafficking-related portion of the investigation.

Members from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and social services organizations One More Child, Heartland for Children, and the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, were also embedded with detectives and investigators during the entirety of the investigation. 

The 127 suspects who travelled to commit prostitution were screened by detectives and the social services organizations to determine if they were being trafficked or exploited by others, and were offered services by the social services organizations at the operation. During this investigation, seven (7) possible human trafficking victims were identified.

There were 108 suspects arrested for soliciting a prostitute and traveling to the undercover location to negotiate having sex in exchange for money. Twelve (12) other suspects were arrested for aiding/abetting, transporting, or deriving proceeds from prostitutes.

OVERALL STATS during Polk Around and Find Out: 

  • Detectives charged a total of 439 charges: 298 felonies, 141 misdemeanors. 
  • The suspects’ prior criminal histories included a combined total of 1028 charges: 400 felonies, 519 misdemeanors

Some interesting notes from the operation: 

  • 34 are here illegally (from 10 different countries: Cuba, El Salvador, Argentina, Russia, Mexico, India, Venezuela, Haiti, Italy, France, Bahama, Honduras, Bolivia, Romania, Colombia, Jamaica, Ecuador, Canada) 
  • 167 are from outside Polk County, from 11 different states and Puerto Rico, and 18 different countries.
  • 22 said they were receiving government assistance (total of $15,188 per month)
  • The youngest suspect is 18; the oldest is 68years old.
  • 4 firearms were brought to the location by different suspects
  • 21 people were charged with possession of narcotics

One suspect was arrested and charged with offering to commit prostitution. After she was released from jail on bond, she continued to advertise her services, traveled to an undercover location, and was arrested again. Two suspects (men) brought children to the undercover location after agreeing to pay an undercover detective posing as a prostitute, for sex. They were both charged with child neglect.

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after May 13th at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com

Units belonging to the following:

Bridget Maddox Unit 1076

Ashley Bane Unit 303

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.

Plant City Driver Hospitalized After Being Rear-Ended in I-275 Crash; Other Driver Arrested for DUI

April 29, 2026 @ 11:40 PM
Pinellas County Road Ranger Crash on I-275

The following is a report by FHP regarding a vehicle crash on I-275:

A Honda Accord, driven by a 32-year-old Lithia man, was traveling northbound on I-275 in the inside lane, north of 4th Street North. A marked Road Ranger Ford F600 truck, operated by a 52-year-old Plant City man, was stopped in traffic northbound on I-275 in the inside lane.

The remaining three northbound lanes of I-275 were closed due to active construction. Traffic cones were positioned to direct all northbound traffic into the inside lane; all cones were upright and clearly visible. Advanced warning signs and arrow boards were also in place to alert approaching motorists of the lane closure. Multiple law enforcement vehicles were positioned within the lane closure area with their emergency lights activated to provide additional warning to approaching traffic.

While the Road Ranger was stopped in traffic, the driver of the Honda Accord failed to slow or stop upon approach. As a result, the front of the Honda Accord collided with the rear of the Road Ranger truck.

The Road Ranger operator was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the Honda Accord, Cedrick Travon Brown, was arrested for DUI, Refusal to Submit, Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, and an active felony warrant.

“Operation Child Protector VIII”Nineteen Suspects Arrested During Undercover Investigation Focusing on Those Who Travel to Have Sex With Minors

During a multi-day joint-agency undercover operation led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office named “Operation Child Protector VIII” focusing on those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity, 19 suspects were arrested for a multitude of felonies.

PCSO detectives were joined by detectives from the Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Lake City Police Department, Orlando Police Department, Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, San Francisco (CA) Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division.

Sixteen of the suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children or guardians of children online, and were charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex. Three suspects sent nude photos to the undercover detectives, and five suspects were from outside Polk County. Seven of the suspects are married, and three are military veterans. Three of the suspects were charged with human trafficking, for offering to pay to have sex with a child.

In all, the suspects are collectively charged with 85 felonies and 8 misdemeanors.

“It never ceases to amaze us how many suspects travel to have sex with who they believe are children, especially here in Polk County where we proactively investigate and arrest those who prey on children. Speaking of believing, we even arrested Santa Claus during this undercover operation.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

SUSPECTS ARRESTED (in alphabetical order):

33-year-old Tyler Berrie, DOB 11/13/1992, of Lake Wales, FL. Berrie sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. He was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child and arranged to pick her up at a local park, offering to pay her 0 to perform sex acts on her. He left work early to meet her, and brought her candy bars.

Berrie was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Human trafficking (F1)
  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

51-year-old Trenton Berry, DOB 8/8/1974, of Lakeland, FL. Berry sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He told the UC the sex acts he wanted to perform “before going to work” and within 21 minutes of initiating the online conversation, he drove to the undercover location. He told detectives he is married. He was arrested by the PCSO during Operation Traffic Stop in February 2023 for offering to commit prostitution.

Berry was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)
  • Possession of methamphetamine (F3)
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)

33-year-old Noah Berumen, DOB 3/15/1993, of Orlando, FL. Berumen sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He told the UC the sex acts he wanted to perform and he drove to the undercover location after dropping off his fare – he is an Uber driver.

Berumen was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)
  • Resisting arrest (M1)

39-year-old Gheorghe Bradley, DOB 1/5/1987, of Lakeland, FL. Bradley sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child and sent him nude photos. He told detectives he is married with a baby on the way.

Bradley was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

21-year-old Alan Brown Jr., DOB 11/29/2004, of Lakeland, FL. Brown sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. He was also identified as a suspect referenced in a NCMEC tip regarding possession of child pornography.

Brown was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

35-year-old Joshua Sanchez Bullard, DOB 1/7/1991, of Haines City, FL. Sanchez sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child and sent him a sexually explicit video. He told detectives he has been married to his husband for four years.

Sanchez Bullard was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

24-year-old Hongkun Cheng, DOB 3/6/2003, of Tampa, FL. Cheng sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. He was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child and asked her to send nude photos, and photos of her feet and armpits. He told detectives he spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Cheng was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

38-year-old Clinton Dees, DOB 3/15/1988, of Winter Haven, FL. A NCMEC tip was sent to the PCSO regarding video and image files depicting child sexual abuse material where the ages of the victims ranged from six years old to ten years old in an account that detectives identified as belonging to Dees. They determined that Dees had been arrested on March 29, 2026, for DUI and is currently still in the Polk County Jail. They served a search warrant to collect the cell phone Dees had on him upon his arrest, and Dees was additionally charged with:

  • 7 counts possession of child pornography (F3)

57-year-old David Esquivel, DOB 4/2/1969, of Haines City, FL. Esquivel sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child and said he would bring a condom (he did). He told detectives he has been married for 28 years and he and his wife have 4 children and one grandchild.

Esquivel was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)
  • Resisting arrest (M1)

27-year-old Noah Geraci, DOB 4/4/1999, of Lakeland, FL. Geraci sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child and sent nude photos. He told detectives he is married.

Geraci was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

34-year-old Derek Heard, DOB 6/25/1991, of Lakeland, FL. Heard sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child and said he would bring condoms.

Heard was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

68-year-old Thomas Hicks, DOB 9/4/1957, of Lakeland, FL. Hicks sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl’s guardian. He told the UC that he would pay $200 to have sex with the girl and was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child, but said that he would be gentle. He told detectives that he has been married over 50 years, but regularly goes onto known “prostitution sites” looking for prostitutes or companions. Hicks is in marketing for Tri-County Behavioral Health in Polk County, and plays Santa Claus every year at several different events.

Hicks was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Human trafficking (F1)
  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

62-year-old Lonnie Hill Sr., DOB 7/20/1963, of Riviera Beach, FL. For five weeks, Hill sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. He told the UC that he wanted to marry her, and he drove over 2.5 hours to pick her up. He brought condoms and male enhancement pills. He fought with deputies as they were taking him into custody, resulting in breaking one of the deputies’ legs.

Hill was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)
  • Aggravated battery on LEO (F1)
  • Resisting arrest with violence (F3)
  • Resisting arrest without violence (M1)

62-year-old Robert Johnson, DOB 1/14/1964, of Walpole, MA. Johnson sent social media messages and nude photos from Massachusetts to an undercover detective in Polk County who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. He was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child. Detectives worked with the Walpole Police Department in serving an arrest warrant, and they took him into custody and booked him into their jail on the Polk warrant.

Johnson was charged with:

  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3)

18-year-old Saulo Jurado-Rodriguez, DOB 11/8/2007, of Winter Haven, FL. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, while on aerial patrol, a PCSO pilot observed two individuals standing near the wood line along Bomber Road, acting suspiciously. Patrol deputies responded and made contact with Jurado-Rodriguez, and a 15-year-old girl, who told deputies that Jurado-Rodriguez arranged via Instagram to meet her near the woods, then the two went into a vacant home in an area under construction. Inside the vacant home, Jurado-Rodriguez provided the victim with alcohol then had sex with her. They were returning to the wooded area when they were spotted by the helicopter pilot.

Jurado-Rodriguez was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child after misrepresenting age (F2) 
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F2)
  • Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1)
  • Giving alcohol to a minor (M2)

36-year-old Ahmed Morsi, DOB 6/25/1989, of Spring Hill, FL. Morsi sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. He told the UC that he was a dentist in Egypt, and was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child. He brought marinated raw chicken to the undercover location to cook for the child.

Morsi was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

27-year-old Josue Negron, DOB 2/17/1999, of Lakeland, FL. Negron sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl and was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child. He said he was “definitely convinced this is PCSO” but still traveled to the undercover location. He brought a box of condoms.

Negron was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

57-year-old George Thomas Jr., DOB 10/27/1968, of Lake Wales, FL. Thomas sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl’s guardian. He offered to pay $100 for a half an hour of sexual activity with the child. He told detectives he is married and an Air Force veteran. He brought a box of condoms to the undercover location.

Thomas was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Human trafficking (F1)
  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

35-year-old Joshua Velez, DOB 6/8/1990, of Lakeland, FL. Velez sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He said he wanted to “rape” the boy but upon his arrest, told detectives that he meant he thought the boy “looked good.” He told detectives he receives $975 per month in public assistance.

Velez was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Traveling to meet a minor (F2)
  • Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)
  • Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
  • Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

Fictitious Name Public Notice

0

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to BBN Home Buyers, LLC the fictitious name Jimbo Buys Houses. Located in Polk County, Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers MEDEIROS SOUZA CORP.