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PCSO Detectives Arrest 28 Suspects and Confiscate 48 Illegal Gambling Machines During “Operation Bad Odds”

Allison
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PCSO Detectives Arrest 28 Suspects and Confiscate 48 Illegal Gambling Machines During “Operation Bad Odds”

Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives conducted an investigation into those who possess and operate illegal gambling machines in stores throughout the county during “Operation Bad Odds,” resulting in 28 arrests and the confiscating of 48 illegal gambling machines. We were assisted in our efforts by State of Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Auburndale Police Department due to two of the establishments being within their city (the others were in the unincorporated areas of the county). 

The investigation began with a tip regarding gambling machines at A-1 Discount Beverage and Discount & Deli, both on Pilaklakaha Avenue in Auburndale. Undercover detectives went to both places and found the machines concealed in back rooms. Detectives placed bets and won money – the winnings were given to them by the store clerks, and the money was handed over concealed in bankers’ bags.

During the investigation, 11 stores were identified, and on September 3, 2025, search warrants were served at all 11 stores; a 12th location was identified during the serving of a search warrant. From the 12 locations, 28 total people were arrested, 48 gambling machines and two drink coolers were confiscated, and two firearms and $100,971 in U.S. currency were seized. Five suspects are in the country illegally.

“People who gamble on machines like the ones we confiscated are being ripped off. These machines are not programmed for fair play. And the odds are, stores who engage in illegal gambling are at a higher risk of being robbed due to the cash they have on hand. It’s a safe bet that you’re going to jail if you illegally gamble or provide the machines to enable those to illegally gamble.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Explanation of charges: 

FSS 849.01 Keeping a gambling house (M1)

FSS 849.231 Possessing slot machine (M2)

FSS 849.09 (1) (B) Disposing of money by lottery (F3)

Here are the stores and suspects, in no particular order:

A-1 Discount Beverage, 219 Piliaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale: Store clerk Mayurkumar Jani (DOB 6/9/1981) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (F3). He is in the country illegally, and his charge is enhanced. He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. Patel Kaushikkumar (DOB 5/30/1982) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (M1).

Discount & Deli – 602 Pilaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale: Sunil Thachukunnel John (DOB 5/20/1978) and Narayana Sarojini (DOB 8/19/1982) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (M1), 4 counts possessing slot machine (M2), and disposing money by lottery (F3). 

Chevron gas station – 123 Magnolia Avenue, Auburndale: Co-manager Mohammed Tanin Hossin (DOB 6/15/1994) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts keeping slot machine, 2 counts disposing money by lottery, and an out-of-county warrant. He is in the country illegally, and his charges are enhanced. He has an active warrant from Hillsborough County for failure to appear (no valid DL). He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. Nasrin Chowdhury (DOB 1/1/1985) was arrested and charged with 3 counts possessing slot machine, keeping gambling house, and 2 counts disposing money by lottery. 

Citgo – 2101 K-Ville Avenue, Auburndale: Suman Sarker (DOB 3/9/1983) and Joan Kameka (DOB 3/4/1957) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts possessing slot machine, and 2 counts disposing money by lottery. Marie Foster (DOB 11/28/1969) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts possessing slot machine, 2 counts disposing money by lottery, possession of cocaine, and possession of paraphernalia.

Holy Land – 329 26th Street SW, Winter Haven: Mohammed Solaiman (DOB 5/18/1984) and MD Abu Musa (DOB 8/10/1966) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 5 counts possessing slot machine, and disposing money by lottery. Solaiman was additionally charged with possession of cannabis resin.

7 Star Deli and Lotto – 6940 Old Highway 37, Bradley Junction: MD Jahangir Alam (DOB 8/5/1980) was arrested and charged with possessing slot machine and keeping a gambling house, and Connie Albright (DOB 10/11/1957) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house.

This store had the largest amount of cash associated with the gambling machines seized, $36,994. 

Placita Mexico – 1003 S. Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta: Jose Alberto Peralta (DOB 12/30/1964) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing money by lottery.

Tienda Guatemala – 3172 Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta: Store owner Maria Pedro (DOB 10/10/1982), and Jaquelyne Sanchez-Ramirez (DOB 6/30/1989) were arrested. Maria was charged with 9 counts keeping slot machine and one count keeping a gambling house, and Jaquelyne was charged with keeping a gambling house. 

While detectives were at this locating, the gambling machine supplier Kenneth Halstead (DOB 6/19/1962), showed up. He was taken into custody and charged with 9 counts possessing slot machine.

Detectives interviewed Maria and learned gambling machines were also at their other store located in north Lakeland. They responded there:

Tienda Guatemala – 450 N. Wabash Ave, Lakeland: Maria’s husband Mario Vargas Garcia (DOB 11/17/1986) was arrested and charged with keeping slot machine, possessing slot machine, and tampering with evidence due to the fact that he had removed the machines before detectives arrived. He is in the country illegally from Guatemala, and his charges are enhanced. He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. 

Love’s Truck Stop – 17309 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales: Three machines were seized, and the investigation is ongoing.

Fonda Rodriguez – 1100 US Hwy 17-92, Haines City: Jesus Abraham-Martinez (DOB 4/15/1998) and Ricardo Valencia-Pacheco (DOB 10/2/1984) were actively gambling when detectives arrived, and both were found to be in the country illegally. They were taken into custody and charged with engaging in gambling (M1), and are on ICE holds in the Polk County Jail. Jose Rodriguez (DOB 10/1/1958) and Araceli Hernandez (DOB 8/14/1981) were charged with keeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery. Maribel Hernandez (DOB 10/6/2000) and Lisbeth Guerrero (DOB 2/6/1999) were charged with keeping a gambling house, and possessing slot machine. Sheila Willingham(DOB 10/17/1964) was arrested and charged with engaging in gambling. 

El Video Latino – 1719 E. Hinson Avenue, Haines City: Salvador Calderon-Gamez (DOB 6/2/1971) and Aaron Calderon (DOB 12/8/2000) were arrested and charged withkeeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery. Elbin Objio-Ramirez (DOB 3/24/1958) was arrested and charged with engaging in gambling. 

Celebrate Culture, Community & Connection at Davenport’s Multicultural Family Fest!

Allison
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Celebrate Culture, Community & Connection at Davenport’s Multicultural Family Fest!

Mark your calendars for October 4th and head to the Tom Fellows Community Center from 3–9 PM for an evening filled with global flavors, lively entertainment, and family-friendly fun!

Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live performances featuring Tropical Latin Group, Pleneros de la Central, Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara, and The Salsumba Orchestra — all in one exciting night.

Explore cultural vendors, savor delicious food, and let the kids play in the dedicated kids zone — there’s something for everyone!

Location:
Tom Fellows Community Center
207 North Blvd. W, Davenport, FL 33837

Free Admission!
Come experience the music, tastes, and traditions from cultures around the world — all right here in Davenport!

Hurricane Preparedness Training with American Red Cross

Allison
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Hurricane Preparedness Training with American Red Cross

Hurricane Preparedness Event at Studio 37

When hurricanes strike, preparation can save lives. The American Red Cross is hosting a free hurricane preparedness program at Studio 37 on Friday, September 5th from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

This informative event will cover understanding risks, building a disaster supply kit, staying informed, and recovering after a natural disaster.

This free event is open to all and no registration is required. The event aims to empower the community with life-saving knowledge.

Event location: 400 N Church Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860. Presented by the City of Mulberry, FL Government and Studio 37, this event is an important step in staying safe this hurricane season.

Source City of Mulberry, FL Government and Studio 37

Speed Humps Approved for Roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry

Allison
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Speed Humps Approved for Roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry

Speed Humps Approved for Roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry

by James Coulter

Fifteen traffic-calming devices have been approved for installation on three county roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Sept. 2, Polk County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve three ordinances on the installation of traffic-calming devices, or speed humps.

The first ordinance approves two humps to be installed on Wheeler Road near Lakeland, which will cost an estimated cost of $10,000.

 

The second ordinance approves four humps to be installed on Avenue U Northwest near Winter Haven, which will cost an estimated $20,000.

 

The third ordinance approves the installation of nine humps on Dean Street near Mulberry for an estimated cost of $45,000.

 

In all three instances, an area resident had requested the County for the installation of these traffic-calming devices, and traffic studies conducted by county staff had determined that these roads met the required criteria based on traffic and speed volume.

David Gilvers, the resident who approached the County with the request for Dean Street, had lived along that street for 35 years. He mentioned how many vehicles, especially semi-trucks, used that road as a shortcut.

“The traffic is horrendous there,” he said. “I have called the highway patrol, but they say they cannot do anything.”

Jonathan Bass has lived on the street for eight years. He and his wife purchased their first house there. Sitting on the porch, he appreciates everything that drew him to that community, both the neighborhood children and the local wildlife.

“But as you sit there, you will be interrupted by large trucks flying down that road,” he said. “It is a nice way to get around intersections, but once it starts putting folks in danger is where I have an issue with it.”

Another resident, James Collins, has lived in the community with his wife for 30 years and at the same address for nine years. He noted how many vehicles would speed along the road early in the morning and later in the afternoon to get onto a nearby highway.

Yet another resident, Ashley Prevatail, supported the installation of the traffic calming devices but asked why similar devices could not also be installed on a nearby road, Kids School Road, which experienced similar traffic and speeding problems. She also mentioned how a nearby bridge developed cracks in its infrastructure.

“The traffic is ridiculous,” she said. “It has been an ongoing problem all my life.”

Commissioner Bill Braswell requested that county staff investigate installing calming devices on Kids School Road and inspecting the nearby bridge for deficiencies.

A Night to Remember: Seminoles Shock the Tide and Reignite School Spirit

Ethan Jones
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A Night to Remember: Seminoles Shock the Tide and Reignite School Spirit

By Ethan Jones

The Florida State community had been eagerly awaiting the season opener against #8 Alabama, a chance to turn the page on a painful chapter in the university’s history.

After a 2-10 football season, a devastating hurricane that destroyed a campus landmark, and the trauma of a school shooting, students and fans alike were desperate for a reason to believe again.

On August 30th, they got exactly that, as the Seminoles shocked the college football world with a 31-17 upset over the Crimson Tide at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Final Score 31 to 17

The buildup to the game was electric. On Friday night, College Town hosted the beloved Friday Night Block Party, the official Florida State tailgate event featuring live music, local vendors, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a tradition before every home game, and this time, the energy was off the charts.

Adding to the excitement was the annual Campus Crawl, a cherished tradition held the night before the first home game. The Marching Chiefs, Florida State’s renowned band, marched across campus playing iconic FSU fight songs, rallying the student body and reigniting school spirit.

FSU Marching Band

The day of the game was special, as there were tailgates going on all around the stadium. College football was in the air, and you could feel that it was going to be a special day in Tallahassee.

tailgating

The time had finally come. The stadium was packed, and the energy was buzzing in Doak Campbell Stadium as the wait was finally over — football had made its way back into Doak.

The ball was kicked off, and the tone was set early by Alabama as they got the first score of the game on a touchdown pass from quarterback Ty Simpson to Josh Cuevas.

The celebration was short-lived, though, as Florida State drove down the field to even the score 7-7 on a 9-yard run by quarterback Tommy Castellanos.

After the end of the first quarter, the game was controlled by Florida State. The Seminoles went on to score three more touchdowns and handed Alabama their first season-opening loss since 2001, when they lost to UCLA 20-17.

The Seminoles didn’t just win — they lit up the stat sheet with:

  • 20 first downs
  • 382 total yards
  • 230 rushing yards

Coming into the game with just an 8.9% chance to win, the Seminoles shocked analysts, fans, and even themselves delivering one of the most memorable victories in program history.

When the final whistle blew and the scoreboard read 31-17, pure chaos erupted. Students leapt over walls, fans stormed the field, and Doak Campbell transformed into a sea of jubilation.

For many students, this wasn’t just a football game it was a long-overdue moment of joy.

After everything the Florida State community endured over the past year, the victory over Alabama was more than a win. It was a statement of resilience, unity, and hope for the future.

Victory at FSU

Haines City Pedestrian Struck by Dump Truck – Avoid the Area E. Hinson & 10Th St.

Carl Fish
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Haines City Pedestrian Struck by Dump Truck – Avoid the Area E. Hinson & 10Th St.

Haines City, Fla. (September 3, 2025) – A pedestrian was struck by a dump truck in Haines City Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:56 PM near the intersection of E. Hinson Avenue and N. 10th Street. Haines City Fire Rescue along with Polk County Fire Rescue units quickly responded to the scene. They are currently trying to extricate the injured person. It’s listed as an adult trauma alert and medical helicopter has been launched.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area as emergency crews remain on scene. Traffic delays are expected along Hinson Avenue while the crash is being investigated.

No further details about the condition of the pedestrian have been released at this time.

Celebrate Fall at Bartow’s Annual Festival This September!

Allison
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Celebrate Fall at Bartow’s Annual Festival This September!

Get ready for a “crisp,”’colorful day of family fun at the Bartow Fall Festival — a beloved tradition packed with seasonal charm and activities for all ages!

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Location: Main Street, Bartow (180 S Central Ave)

Enjoy:
• Delicious food & treats
• Classic carnival games
• A charming pumpkin patch
• Local artisan vendors
• Face painting & kids’ activities
• Tractor displays & more!

Come wander through downtown Bartow, savor tasty bites, discover unique handmade goods, and make memories with friends and family. Fall is here — and we’re celebrating big!

Vendors welcome! Sign up at: www.mainstreetbartowfl.com
Questions? Call (863) 519-0508

In Loving Memory of Robert Harold Cumtow of Davenport

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Robert Harold Cumtow of Davenport

Robert Harold Cumtow

October 21st, 1951 – August 29th, 2025

In Loving Memory of Robert H. Gumtow

On Friday August 29th, 2025, Robert H. Gumtow of Davenport, FL passed away in the comforts of his home at the age of 73 years. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Bob H. Gumtow and Melvina L. Doak, by his beloved son Charlie Gumtow and his brother David Gumtow.  He is survived by his loving wife J. Rossana Gumtow and by his children Stephanie, Steve,Samantha and Sierra. Born in Rockford, IL and raised in Toledo, OH. Robert was a dedicated member of Solid Rock Church under Pastor Keith Crampton where he lent his services to being an usher. Robert was proud of his country and also had many passions including cooking, movies, photography and most recently he took on woodworking and gardening. All of these were what made him happy, however, Robert’s proudest achievement was becoming a truck driver. He was able to visit almost all 50 states, take multiple photographs and make many memories in doing so. After leading a blessed life, Robert will be laid to rest on September 3rd in Haines City, FL. 

Dundee Commission Sets 33% Millage Ceiling, Final Vote Still to Come in September 9th

Carl Fish
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Dundee Commission Sets 33% Millage Ceiling, Final Vote Still to Come in September 9th

By Carl Fish, Daily Ridge News

As a follow-up to our earlier reporting on the difficulty obtaining town records, the Town of Dundee has now released the minutes from its July 22, 2025 meeting. The records were provided by Interim Town Manager Joseph Carbone by email this past Monday, nearly a month after the meeting took place and only after multiple requests for them.

My initial written request for the minutes was made on July 29. I visited Town Hall on August 12 and again on August 15, but what I was given then were handwritten notes that did not meet the standard of proper minutes under Florida law. On August 19, I received a formal reply from the clerk that referenced only the August 8 and August 12 meetings, leaving the July 22 minutes unaddressed. The official minutes were not released until this week.

The July 22 meeting itself was significant. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 25-23, setting Dundee’s proposed maximum millage ceiling at 9.8679 mills for the 2025–26 budget year. That figure is nearly 33 percent higher than the rollback rate of 7.4381 mills, and it immediately took effect once passed so the required information could be transmitted to the Polk County Property Appraiser for TRIM notices.

It is important to note, however, that this July 22 action did not set the town’s final tax rate. Under Florida law, the commission must hold a second public hearing before formally adopting the millage rate and budget. Resolution 25-23 specifies that hearing will take place on September 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dundee Town Hall Commission Chambers. At that hearing, the commission may set the final millage rate at or below 9.8679 mills, but not higher without re-advertising.

The minutes provided for the July 22 meeting record attendance, proclamations, motions, and votes. They also list the names of nine residents who spoke during the millage discussion and two more who spoke during the final public comment period. What the minutes do not capture are the concerns and arguments raised by those residents, despite the strong turnout and vocal opposition to adopting the maximum ceiling.

Other issues stand out in the document. Commissioner Mary Richardson’s name is repeatedly misspelled as “Richardsson”. The space for the “approval date” is also left blank, meaning the minutes are technically unfinished until the commission formally adopts them. Since they had not had an official city commission meeting they couldn’t be certified. It doesn’t appear as a matter of practice on previous agenda’s that voting to approve the minutes is being done.

Florida law requires that minutes be promptly recorded and open to inspection. These minutes satisfy that requirement in the most basic sense by listing the actions taken. But Dundee’s own Public Records Policy requires records to be professional, consistent, and prepared in a manner that informs the public. On that measure, the July 22 minutes provide little insight into the substance of the meeting, particularly on a decision that could affect the pocketbooks of every property owner in town.

The July 22 meeting was not routine. It was the night commissioners gave themselves the authority to levy up to the maximum allowable millage rate. Residents filled the chambers, asking commissioners not to do so. In the official record, however, their voices are reduced to little more than a list of names. The final decision will come September 9, when the commission takes its required second vote to adopt Dundee’s millage rate and budget for the coming year.

PCSO Arrests Illegal Alien for Interfering with a Train and Fighting with Law Enforcement

Allison
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PCSO Arrests Illegal Alien for Interfering with a Train and Fighting with Law Enforcement

The following is a press release by PCSO:

“PCSO Arrests Illegal Alien for Interfering with a Train and Fighting with Law Enforcement

On August 30, 2025, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38-year-old Josue Castaneda-Castro following a series of disruptive actions near railroad tracks in Mulberry. Castaneda-Castro, a Mexican national in the United States illegally, now faces multiple charges related to the incident.

Deputies responded to the intersection of State Road 37 South and Railroad Avenue at around 10:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a suspect interfering with a CSX train. Upon arrival, deputies learned that train conductor was operating the train when a black Chevrolet pickup truck pulling a homemade trailer drove parallel to the tracks. The suspect then crossed in front of the train, causing the trailer to become stuck on the tracks and obstructing the train’s movement.

Castaneda-Castro exited the vehicle and engaged in a verbal confrontation with the conductor. He then disconnected the trailer from the truck and drove away eastbound, leaving the trailer behind, blocking the tracks. Moments later, he returned to the scene and attempted to enter the train car while continuing to act aggressively toward the conductor.

Deputies arriving on scene observed the truck and trailer across the tracks and Castaneda-Castro standing nearby. As they approached, he retreated to his vehicle and attempted to reverse toward them. Deputies ordered him to exit the vehicle, which he initially complied with, but he refused to answer questions and repeatedly tried to return to his truck. Deputies also noted the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the suspect.

When asked to step away from the vehicle for further questioning, Castaneda-Castro resisted and grabbed one deputy’s arm. The deputy deployed an agency-issued Taser, but it was ineffective, and the suspect fled on foot toward a wooded area.

Additional units responded, including Deputy Sheriff Gann and his partner, K9 Rone. K9 Rone successfully tracked to the suspect’s location, where he was hiding under heavy brush. Rone apprehended the suspect, but Castaneda-Castro then grabbed Rone’s collar and struck and kicked the dog multiple times, ignoring repeated warnings from deputies. He was ultimately taken into custody.

Further investigation revealed that Castaneda-Castro’s driver’s license had been revoked since January 2023. He was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He is a Mexican national in the United States illegally and has been previously deported; due to his illegal immigration status, all charges were enhanced by one degree. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement was contacted and an immigration detainer was placed on Castaneda-Castro.

“This individual not only endangered the safety of a train operator and disrupted critical infrastructure, but he also violently resisted arrest and attacked one of our K9s. He is in our country illegally, his license was revoked, and now he’s facing serious charges. Our deputies did an outstanding job bringing this dangerous situation under control.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Castaneda-Castro is being charged with interfering with a railroad track (F2), interfering with a railroad train (F2), Trespassing (F3), battery on a law enforcement officer (F2), striking a police canine (F3), unarmed burglary of an occupied conveyance (F1), driving with a suspended license (M1), resisting an officer without violence (F3), and resisting an officer with violence (F2). His criminal history includes prior arrests for DUI, no valid DL, and DWLSR.”

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