PRESS RELEASE – PIONEER DAYS PIONEER OF THE YEAR 2022
Come out and join the Lake Wales History Museum as we honor our Pioneer of the Year Mr. Victor B. Story Jr. for our 46th Annual Pioneer Days Festival 2022. We will be honoring Mr. Story at our Pioneer Days Festival on October 29th and 30th at Lake Wailes Park on Lake Walies Lake!
The Lake Wales History Museum will present the 46th Annual Pioneer Days Festival on October 29 & 30, 2022, which is a celebration of Lake Wales’ history and heritage. Located along the shores of Lake Wailes Park, the free community festival features a heritage village that includes dozens of historical demonstrations of pioneer camps and early American trades. The public is welcome to experience, learn, share and buy hand-crafted goods from these vendors along with more than 60 craft market vendors. Average attendance is 7,500—10,000 individuals.
The festival honors pioneers from the past and presents an annual recognition award to a notable resident of historical contributions to the community during the festival with community organizations, antique tractors and cars, live music and entertainment, festival food, beer & wine. Families can also enjoy the Pumpkin Patch with pumpkins for sale, fall craft stations, old-fashioned games, a corn crib, hay piles, photo station, and face painting.
VIC STORY BIO – Victor B. Story, Jr. Was born on September 19, 1945, to Frieda and Victor B. Story Sr. He grew up in Frostproof, Florida before moving to Lake Wales where he graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1963. Vic attended Polk Community College, Florida Southern College, and the University of Florida.
Vic served for over six years in the Army Reserves. After that time, he served as a civilian Post Mobilization Post Commander in the Florida National Guard during Operation Desert Storm, where he received the Award of the Distinguished Service Medal. On August 9, 1971, Vic married Ann Hendrickson of Lake Wales. Together they raised five children Michelle Ann, Jeffery Victor, Jennifer Jean, Matthew Spencer, and Kyle Robert. Vic has thirteen grandchildren who all reside in Polk County.
Vic is a life long citrus grower. He grew up in the orange groves of Polk County with his grandfather Lyles, Father Vic Sr. and brother Lyle “Terry”. After college Vic rejoined his father in the citrus industry where after 60 plus years, he remains active daily. Vic is the President and Chairman of the Board for his family’s corporations. These companies are comprised of agricultural holdings, management, marketing, harvesting, and hauling for over 7,000 acres in Central and South Florida. The family owned a cattle and sod operation in Hardee Country until early 2015 before developing more citrus groves on this land.
In 2015, Vic was named the Florida Farmer of the Year only to be inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and be named Citizen of the Year by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce in 2016. Vic’s civic and industry involvements have spanned his entire adult life. He has served as a former member and chairman of the Polk County Farm Service Agency; former board member and President of the Lake Wales Family YMCA; former board member and Vice President of the Lake Wales Little League; former board member and President of the Hillcrest Elementary PTO; former City Commissioner and Mayor of Lake Wales; former board member of American Bank & Trust; former Co-Chairman of the Concerned Property Owners of Polk County; former member of the Polk Country Board of County Commissioner’s Task Force on Farm Labor Housing; former member of the Polk County Charter Review Committee; former Chairman of the Polk Citizens for Good Government; former board member and past President of Florida Citrus Mutual; former member and Vice Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission; former member of the Citrus Disease Research and Development Advisory Board for the United States Department of Agriculture; former board member of Florida’s Natural Growers; board member of Citrus Research and Education Center Foundation for the University of Florida; member of the American Legion Post 71; board member and past President of Polk County Farm Bureau; board member and President of the Lake Wales Care Center; founding board member of Florida Poly Vision, the foundation for Florida Polytechnic University.
Vic was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales; where he has served on the board of Deacons as well as Chairman. Today Vic and Ann worship at the High Point Church.
At AdventHealth, we are committed to using the latest, leading-edge technological advancements in breast care to provide you with the best possible results.
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In a 3D mammogram, multiple thin-section images allow your radiologist to assess your breast tissue layer by layer. During the exam, the X-ray arm moves in a small arc over your breast and acquires several low-dose images, which are reconstructed into a 3D image.
The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends that all women over the age of 40 have an annual 3D mammography breast screening. Women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer should have yearly screenings starting at age 35.
Nationally Recognized Breast Care in Polk County
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John Phillips brings with him more than 25 years of experience in retail business and law enforcement. As an officer and a businessman, he knows that now is the most opportune time for people to buy firearms to keep themselves safe during these uncertain times.
His new store, Wild Wild West Arms, sells a diverse selection of weapons, lenses, holsters, and other accessories. They sell firearms including handguns, long guns, and even AR and AK rifles. Any firearm you are looking for, Wild Wild West Arms most likely has in stock.
“This right now is what our current stock that we have, it is 20 to 30 percent,” he explained. “We expect to double if not triple our inventory, and we also are expanding into an indoor gun range this next year, and a virtual range as well.”
Wild Wild West Arms celebrated its grand opening on Saturday. Hundreds of potential customers flocked to the store to see what it had in stock. Also in attendance for the occasion was a local radio station, a food truck, and In-Guage of Polk County.
Phillips purchased the property a year ago and has spent that time converting the store space into a gun shop. They hope to eventually expand into a gun range and a virtual gun range.
“We are very successful today,” he said. “We are doing well, pushing for over 100 firearms.”
I have to thank my wife, Yashera Phillips, “she has put in a ton of work here” said Phillips.
One customer arrived with their six children to check out the new store and purchase a new firearm. She had been a gun owner for two years, but she had never used a gun until taking a class. She was quite impressed by the selection and the overall friendliness and knowledge of the staff.
“I wanted to learn more about firearms and safety and be able to understand my rights so I can protect my children in a time of need,” she said. “I would recommend [this store] to many people. They have fair prices, [and] they are very well stocked and friendly.”
Robert Dummett, chief training officer and executive director at In-Gauge of Polk County, attended the event to promote his gun safety and training classes. His organization previously hosted a class at the store, and he hopes to host even more with firearm training and gun safety.
Dummett most appreciates the customer service. As someone who has known Phillips, Dummett knows that he and his staff are good people at a good location who will help customers meet their needs.
“They have great customer service and great personality,” he said. “They have a great inventory and if they don’t have it they will make efforts to get it in for the customer.”
Wild, Wild West Arms is located at 29350 US-27, Dundee, FL 33838. For more information, visit their website at https://wild-wild-west-arms.company.site.
In a small business incubator in Tampa, a young entrepreneur arrived with only a backpack, a laptop, and a dream. He initially sold commemorative plastic wall plates. He put his nose to the grind, followed their guidance, and met every benchmark.
“We connected him to an ecosystem that will let him thrive,” explained Derrick Blue, BizLINC Co-Founder and COO.
The young man started working at a desk. Then he received a small office space. Within three years, his business grew large enough that he requested space of 5,000 square feet.
By 2020, he had contacts in China who informed him of a new virus spreading. Taking the lessons he learned about pivoting his business, he decided to invest in masks—specifically masks made in America. That decision, in hindsight, made him exceptionally profitable.
“Long story short, all he had was an idea and a dream and a whole lot of passion and he made things happen,” Blue said.
This inspiring anecdote about an aspiring entrepreneur who went from small to big business owner was shared during a luncheon to promote an upcoming business incubator in Lake Wales.
On Saturday, several dozen local aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners were treated to a complimentary luncheon at the B Street Community Center served by Whadda Wings. Attendees learned about BizLINC, a new initiative sponsored by the City of Lake Wales to help promote and create new local businesses.
Located at 225 Lincoln Ave Lake Wales, BizLINC will provide consultation, training, and office space to entrepreneurs seeking to launch their new business ventures. As their website states: it will serve as “a one-stop location for the coordinated delivery of business incubation and development services.”
“BizLINC connects entrepreneurs with much-needed resources to achieve success and sustainability. This is accomplished by providing affordable office space, training, and ongoing technical assistance,” their website states.
Sponsored by the City of Lake Wales, BizLINC and its services, including programming, training, and technical assistance, will be free of charge to participants. Office space will be provided at a discounted price.
Each potential applicant will be placed through a careful selection process to ensure that they and their business prospect have the coachability, sustainability, and profitability necessary to complete the program with great results, their website states.
“We ensure businesses are positioned to thrive,” their website states. “No one business is alike, so each entrepreneur is placed on a track that best suits their specific needs, goals, and capabilities.”
Blue knows what it takes to make it big in business. Having been raised from humble beginnings in Wauchula, he was inspired by his grandfather, a labor contractor and entrepreneur who worked with the seasons. Growing in that farm life, he was able to absorb his grandfather’s work ethic and life lessons without having to be directly taught them.
“There are some things that are taught and some things that are caught,” Blue said. “I was a deficit of all the things I have caught. If you want it, you got to go and get it. Of all the things he said to me in my life, that stuck with me. And we are excited to be able to take our experiences and put it to work.”
Blue expects to enroll 50 businesses into his initiative by October. Over the next few weeks, they will be taking and considering applicants through a rigorous interview process. Many of the business startups will be virtual, while the others will be in person.
When Blue and his business partners stood along Lincoln Avenue, they saw great potential for economic growth in the community. He hopes that BizLINC will help spur that growth along.
“Lincoln Avenue, the entire northwest community, can expect growth both with real estate development, affordable housing, as well as new business growth, so you can expect new businesses pop up with storefronts and see this community explode,” he said. “They can expect to receive much-needed resources to start, to expand, to sustain their company. So we will be connecting them to partners in the community.”
Danny Krueger, Lake Wales City Commissioner, likewise has high expectations of the city sponsoring the initiative. By providing a business incubator in their community, They hope to attract many potential business owners and, with them, businesses.
“The idea behind the incubator is to get people started, give them a hand up rather than a handout,” he said. “It is a way to provide self-sufficiency. Another good reason why small business is important. It is a source of jobs. It is a source of new jobs. That is where jobs come from.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred this morning, Saturday, September 17, 2022 in unincorporated Lakeland.
At around 6:30 a.m., PCSO deputies and members of Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene of the crash near 12656 U.S. 98 North. This area of U.S. 98 is a two-lane road.
According to evidence and witnesses at the scene, 49-year-old Giovany Reyes of Lakeland was backing a black 2005 International semi-truck and tanker trailer into a residential driveway on U.S. 98 North. The truck and trailer’s lighting was activated and other motorists in the area yielded to the semi-truck and trailer.
83-year-old James Simpson of Havana, Florida was driving a white 2002 Chevrolet 1500 south on U.S. 98. At the same time, Mr. Reyes was maneuvering the semi-truck and tanker into the driveway, and when the front of the tanker and rear of the semi reached the west shoulder of U.S. 98, the roof of Mr. Simpson’s truck collided with the tanker.
Mr. Reyes was uninjured.
Mr. Simpson was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
Witness told detectives that Mr. Simpson was not speeding and did not slow down nor attempt to avoid crashing into the semi-truck and tanker. Impairment is not suspected as a cause. The roadway was closed in the area of the crash for about three hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.
Lake Wales, Florida – A couple of years ago while many industries in the world hunkered down due to the Covid 19 pandemic, others were listed as “Essential”! One of those essential industries that worked even harder was trucking. Local Lake Wales company, Oakley Transport, was one of those companies that worked harder and even thrived. The company has more than a dozen locations in states like FL, GA, PA, IA, IL, AR, KY, TX and OH. The company basically hauls everything.
They have a division that operates sanitary tanks and DOT-407 food-grade tankers equipped with in-transit heat systems and stainless-steel pumps. This allows the company to transport alcohols, editable oils, liquid sweetener, juices, corn syrup and water.
They have a dry van/reefer division that hauls various products, both perishable and non-perishable foods, dry goods, and other temperature-sensitive loads.
Their dry bulk division has a fleet of dry bulk pneumatic trailers serving customer’s needs with granular food grade products, such as dry sugars and flour.
They also have a groves division hauling citrus and sugar cane, which is the backbone of the company. Oakley Transport is the largest citrus hauler in Florida.
Oakley Transports Super Heroes Don’t Wear Capes! They Drive Semi Trucks!
The company credits it success to it’s drivers. “Our drivers are the face of our company”, said a company spokeswoman today. This year like every year the company honors its drivers on “National Truck Driver Appreciation Week”. The week has been filled with food and fun for all the staff, but particularly the drivers. Catered breakfast and lunch has been provided every day this week. Gift certificates and prizes have also been given away to them. Just having fun has been part of week also. Some employees even dressed up as super heroes.
A favorite for everyone is the dunk tank they rolled out here in the Lake Wales corporate office. Employees donate money to throw balls trying to dunk supervisors and frankly anyone that is foolish enough to jump into the tank! And if you don’t happen to hit the target, well just go smash it! They will go down eventually one way or another.
Going Down
The funds raised this year are going to the Wounded Warriors Project. With the final tally being matched by Mr. Oakley! The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began in 2003 as a small, grassroots effort providing simple care and comfort items to the hospital bedsides of the first wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As their post-service needs evolved, so have their programs and services. Today, through their direct programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care, along with their advocacy efforts, they improve the lives of millions of warriors and their families.
Oakley Transport is very proud to have a large group of former military service men & woman. As on a cue during Daily Ridges visit the dunkee in the tank was a marine! Semper Fi!
The employees of Oakley Transport are extremely proud of their company and really appreciate the more than 700 drivers working for them! It certainly has been a fun filled week!
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Southwest Middle’s Modernization Project
This $55-million project is expected to be completed in February 2024 and will encompass more than 183,000 square feet, essentially creating a totally new campus for Southwest Middle.
The new campus will feature a centrally located courtyard. The courtyard will be a spacious, beautiful focal point for the new campus.
The new campus will also have buildings incorporating the school’s colors to preserve its rich history. There will also be a new cafeteria and kitchen.
The majority of the construction will take place on property behind the existing school site. The school’s current buildings will continue to serve students until the project is finished.
Once the modernization is complete, most of the aging structures will be demolished with the exception being the physical education facility, gymnasium, and a science building.
Southwest Middle was founded in 1956 as a junior high school and became a middle school for grades 6-8 in 1992.
The school’s current campus has many older buildings. The newly constructed buildings will be more energy efficient and have advanced safety features.
This project is made possible by impact fees as well as Polk County’s half-cent sales tax, which voters renewed in 2018. The school is located at 2815 Eden Parkway, Lakeland, FL 33803
If you saw some police activity on Wed afternoon (Sept. 14th) in and around Lee’s Furniture on US Hwy 27 in Lake Wales, here’s what happened:
A LWPD officer on patrol spotted a white Buick SUV weaving in and out of traffic northbound on US 27. The officer ran the tag, which came back to a gold Chevy. The SUV made a U-turn, and LWPD followed, turning on his lights for a traffic stop, which occurred in the furniture store parking lot.
The officer immediately recognized the driver, Gary Hanford – he has several LWPD warrants for his arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (2 counts), felony battery 3rd or subsequent offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As the officer began putting handcuffs on Hanford, he immediately began resisting, then threw the car keys at his passenger, Sonny Santos, and yelled at Santos to “take the keys and run” – Santos did.
Hanford continued to struggle and attempted to pull a loaded gun he had in his pocket. The officer was able to get the handcuffs on him and confiscate the firearm. Hanford also had a baggie of cocaine on him. He has 7 prior felony convictions, and new charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, possession of firearm & ammo by a convicted felon, possession of cocaine & paraphernalia, DWLSR, and operating an unregistered vehicle.
The officer called for backup, and several other units arrived, including PCSO with canines and the chopper, to search for Santos. A LWPD officer found Santos later that day, and placed him under arrest. The keys that Hanford threw at him had a container attached to them, which contained cocaine.
Santos is in jail and charged with resisting arrest, possession of cocaine & paraphernalia, and his existing warrant for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
This was an excellent pair of arrests by our friends at the Lake Wales Police Department, and we’re glad nobody was seriously injured by either of these felons as they actively resisted. Teamwork makes the dream work!
On June 21, 2022, a 2010 Nissan Maxima was reported stolen to this agency. The owner had left the vehicle parked on the shoulder of Highway 27 North in front of the Race Trac gas station located at 24224 Hwy 27 N, Lake Wales due to mechanical issues. Witnesses later saw a white tow truck removing the vehicle from the area. On September 12th, Detectives learned from the owner he had been contacted by a local tow company regarding his vehicle. Jesus Melendez (H/M, 07/02/1990) from J & M Towing (1017 Ronlin Street, Haines City) sent a letter to the victim stating the vehicle had been towed at the gas station manager’s request. This was false information as Race Trac management confirmed they do not have vehicles towed. The letter also told the victim if he paid $735 he could have his car back.
When Detectives spoke with Melendez via telephone, he initially told the same story but when questioned further, he stated he needed his lawyer. On September 13th, Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Melendez for grand theft and scheming to defraud. Melendez was located and taken into custody. The victim’s vehicle was located at a storage yard operated by Melendez located at 701 Lafoley Street, Haines City where it was recovered and returned to the owner.
There is a high likelihood Melendez has done this before, and there may be more victims. If you believe you are a victim of Melendez’s scheme, please contact the Lake Wales Police Department. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Matt Rhoden at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477) From your cell phone, dial **TIPS Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 13 men during a week long undercover operation “Operation Cyber Guardian II” during which detectives posed as children on social media platforms, mobile apps, and online dating sites to investigate those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity. PCSO was assisted in the effort by police departments from Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, and Tampa, as well as the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Office of the State Attorney 10th Judicial Circuit, State Attorney Brian Haas.
The suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children online. Eight suspects showed up at an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to meet who they thought were children, to sexually batter them. Detectives obtained warrants for five other suspects who were arrested and booked into jails in their respective counties. Three of the suspects believed they were speaking with a parent or guardian of a child who wanted to teach their “child” to have sex or arranging for the minor to have sex with the suspect.
In all, detectives arrested 13 suspects, who face a total of 41 felony and 3 misdemeanor chargeswhich include: traveling to meet a minor for sex, attempted lewd battery, use of a computer to seduce a child, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and transmission of material harmful to a child. Two of the suspects told detectives they were married; two brought condoms; two brought illegal drugs.
Of the suspects who had warrants, all of them sent sexually explicit images and/or videos to who they thought were 13, 14, or 15-year-old girls, or 14-year-old boys. Two of the suspects are from another county and are in custody there, in Orange and Brevard counties.
“We will continue to conduct proactive operations like this to search out these evil predators before they get to our children. Thanks to the hard work of our detectives and the detectives in our partnering agencies, these 13 predators have been arrested. We are going hold them criminally accountable for their attempts to sexually abuse, groom, and corrupt our children. Parents please get all in your child’s business when it comes to their use of electronic devices that gives them access to online gaming, mobile applications, texting, or the internet. Check their devices regularly, and ensure parental controls are enabled to keep men like these away from your kids.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff
In order of arrest:
25-year-old Andrew Lewis of Orlando
On August 31, 2022, Lewis engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. During the conversation, the “boy” told Lewis several times that he was only 14. Lewis told the boy he still wanted to meet up and then graphically described the sex acts he wanted to perform.
Lewis traveled to the undercover location expecting to have sex with the 14-year-old boy. He brought a condom with him.
He admitted to detectives he knew the person he was talking to was 14. He also told detectives he was employed as an audio/visual technician with Lockheed Martin.
He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
One count attempted lewd battery (F3)
One count possession of marijuana (M1)
One count possession of drug paraphernalia
He was released after paying a $16,000 bond.
46-year-old Matthew Bonjean of Hemet, CA
On September 1, 2022 Bonjean engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as the parent of a 1-year-old girl. Bonjean told the “mother” he liked “younger girls.” He then communicated with the “girl” telling her he wanted to “be sexual with a young girl.” Bonjean arranged to meet the “parent” and “14-year-old girl” to have sex with the minor.
When he arrived at the undercover location, Bonjean was arrested. He told detectives he was employed by Ziehm Imaging as a service technician and was attending a training in Orlando.
He was taken to the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
One count soliciting a guardian for sex with a minor (F2)
One count use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
One count attempted lewd battery (F3)
Bonjean is currently in the Polk County Jail and has a $40,000 bond.
27-year-old Nicholas Jenkins of Winter Garden
On September 1, 2022, Jenkins engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 15-year-old girl. During the conversation, Jenkins told the “girl” that he didn’t care about her age and described in detail the sex acts he wanted to perform. He arranged to meet the “girl” and have sex with her despite knowing she was fifteen.
When he arrived at the undercover location, Jenkins was arrested. He told detectives that he continued to communicate with the “girl” after he knew she was 15.
He was taken to the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
One count use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
One count attempted lewd battery (F3)
He was released after paying a $25,000 bond.
39-year-old John DeSarli, Jr. of Venice, FL
On September 2, 2022, DeSarli engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. During the conversation, DeSarli asked “How old are you Just be honest I don’t mind.” The “girl” told him she was 14 and asked if he was alright with her age. He replied, “Yes love Let’s make it happen” and described how he planned to engage in sex with the girl. He sent the undercover detective lewd photographs, despite knowing she was fourteen.
DeSarli traveled to the undercover location to have sex with the “child” where he was arrested. Detectives found cocaine, heroin, and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.
DeSarli admitted he had sexually explicit conversations with a 14-year-old. He also told detectives he is employed with Hotwire as an alarm technician and drove his assigned work van from Venice, Florida to the undercover location.
He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
One count use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
Two counts transmitting harmful material to a minor (F3)
One count attempted lewd battery (F3)
One count possession of cocaine (F3)
One count possession of heroin
One count possession of drug paraphernalia
He was released after paying a $25,500 bond.
52-year-old John Wesley Hunter of Davenport
On September 2, 2022, Hunter replied to an advertisement posted on an online dating site by an undercover detective posing as a mother wanting to introduce her 14-year-old daughter to sex. Hunter also communicated with the “daughter” graphically describing the sex acts he wanted to perform with the child. He sent the undercover detective lewd photographs of himself and arranged to meet and have sex with the 14-year-old child.
Hunter traveled to the undercover location where he was arrested. He admitted to detectives he knew he was communicating with a 14-year-old and to sending her a nude photograph of himself. Hunter told detectives he is employed with Budget Auto Parts as a mechanic.
He was taken to the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
One count soliciting a guardian for sex with a minor (F2)
One count use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
One count attempted lewd battery (F3)
One count transmitting harmful material to a minor (F3)
He was released after paying a $27,000 bond.
35-year-old Juan Miguel Diaz of Kissimmee
On September 2, 2022, Diaz replied to an advertisement posted on an online dating site by an undercover detective posing as a mother wanting to introduce her 14-year-old daughter to sex. Diaz asked for the “daughter’s” phone number and began communicating with the 14-year-old. He described in detail the type of sex acts he wanted to perform on the child. Diaz then arranged to meet and have sex with the 14-year-old.
Diaz traveled to the undercover location where he was arrested. He told detectives he was employed by Linewize Limited as a service technician who installs firewalls and internet safety programs on computers in elementary, middle, and high schools to protect students from accessing inappropriate websites and online predators.
Diaz was booked into the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
One count soliciting a guardian for sex with a minor (F2)
One count use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
One count attempted lewd battery (F3)
He was released after paying a $26,000 bond.
39-year-old Juan Carlos Guzman of Hollywood, FL
On September 1, 2022 Guzman began an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. Guzman asked the undercover detective if she was looking for a “sugar daddy.” The conversation continued for three days and numerous times discussed her being a 14-year-old. He also sent her a lewd photograph of himself.
The next day, Guzman made arrangements to meet the “girl” telling her that he wanted to have sex and would teach her how to use a condom. He brought an entire box of condoms with him to the undercover location.
He told detectives he was employed by Memorial West Hospital in Pembroke Pines as a maintenance worker. He also said he was married and told his wife he was doing a side job as a painter when he traveled to Polk County.
Guzman was booked into the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
One count transmitting harmful material to a minor (F3)
One count use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
One count attempted lewd battery (F3)
Guzman is currently in the Polk County Jail and has a detainer hold for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
28-year-old Joshua Cummins of Davenport
On September 3, 2022 Cummins began an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. During the conversation he told the “girl” he wanted to play a game with her and the winner would get a sex act performed on them. Cummins arranged to meet the “girl.”
Cummins traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. He told detectives he was employed as a construction subcontractor and was currently building a new rollercoaster at Disney.
Cummings was booked into the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
One count use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
One count attempted lewd battery (F3)
He was released after paying a $18,000 bond.
WARRANT ARRESTS:
31-year-old Neri Banda of Lakeland
On August 31, 2022 Banda began an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. He told the “boy” he had “a thing for younger guys.” Banda continued communicating with the “boy” on the Kik application asking the “boy” when they were going to have “their make out session.” The undercover detective reminded Banda that he was only 14; Banda said he didn’t mind.
Over a three-day period of time, Banda communicated with the undercover detective planning to meet the “boy” for sex.
Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, and took him into custody on September 6. Banda admitted to detectives he had sexually explicit conversations with the “14-year-old.” He also told detectives he sent a pornographic image to the “boy” of two men engaged in sex.
Banda told detectives he is employed with Amazon as an inventory selector at the warehouse in Auburndale. Additionally, Banda thought detectives were at his residence because of a Hillsborough County warrant for his arrest.
Banda was taken to the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
One count transmitting harmful material to a minor (F3)
One count using computer to solicit a child for sex
VOP Hillsborough County (reckless driving)
After paying a $2,000 bond on the Polk County charges, Banda was transferred to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
28-year-old Michael Hojewski III of Lakeland
On August 29, 2022 Hojewski began an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. When the “girl” told Hojewski she was only 14, he told her “it’s fine,” and sent her several nude photos of himself. During the next few days, he continued the conversation and explicitly described the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child.
Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, and took him into custody on September 6. He admitted to detectives that he had sexually explicit conversations with the “14-year-old” and had sent three nude images of himself to her.
Hojewski was taken to the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
Three counts transmitting harmful material to a minor (F3)
One count using computer to solicit a child for sex
Hojewski is currently in the Polk County Jail and has a $4,000 bond.
30-year-old Luis Velazquez of Haines City
On August 29, 2022 Velazquez began an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 15-year-old girl. The “girl” told Velazquez she was only 15, knowing this, Velazquez described the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child.
The next day, he continued the conversation with the “child” and arranged to meet the minor. He did not show up, but later contacted the “girl” saying he got “scared.” He then sent the “girl” two nude photos of himself.
Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, and took him into custody on September 7. Velazquez admitted to detectives that he had sexually explicit conversations with the “15-year-old” and had sent two nude images of himself to her.
Velazquez was taken to the Polk County Jail with the following charges:
Two counts transmitting harmful material to a minor (F3)
One count using computer to solicit a child for sex
He was released after paying a $3,000 bond.
42-year-old Kevin Sanders of Winter Garden
On August 29, 2022 Sanders began an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. The “girl” told Sanders she was only 13, knowing this, Sanders described the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child.
Sanders told the “girl” they would “have to be careful” because of her age.
Sanders has engaged online with undercover detectives he believed to be children for several years, always ending his communication before actually traveling to meet who he believed was a minor for sex. During this investigation, detectives were able to identify Sanders and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
On September 7th, Sanders was arrested at his place of employment (Disney) by the PCSO detectives, FDLE agents, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Sanders admitted to detectives that he had sexually explicit conversations with the “14-year-old.” He also said he had been doing this for years and that communicating online with underage children was his “addiction.” Sanders told detectives he is employed by Disney as a roving IT support specialist. Prior to that he was a member of Disney’s YES Program (Youth Education Series) which offers accredited educational opportunities for students age 5-18. He also told detectives that he is married and has two young children.
He was booked into the Orange County Jail and charged with:
One count transmitting harmful material to a minor (F3)
One count using computer to solicit a child for sex
33-year-old Matthew Silva of Melbourne
On August 29, 2022 Silva began an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. The “girl” told Silva she was only 14, knowing this, Silva described the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child.
Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, and, with the assistance of FDLE and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, took him into custody on September 8 at Publix where he is employed as a bagger in Melbourne. He admitted to detectives that he had sexually explicit conversations with the “14-year-old” and sending a nude photo of himself to the minor.
Silva booked into the Brevard County Jail and charged with:
One count transmitting harmful material to a minor (F3)
One count using computer to solicit a child for sex
