The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is cracking down on people engaging in sexual activities in county parks.
Three men were arrested Thursday during an undercover investigation at Gator Creek Reserve.
Deputies said that park, along with Saddle Creek Park, are the two main parks where these lewd acts often occur. Investigators said the majority of arrests are men searching for other men to engage in sexual activity.
People visiting the park with their families said they supported the undercover operations.
The sheriff’s office said it conducts the vice undercover operations in the parks about once a month.
According to reports, since March of 2016, there have been nine lewd behavior arrests at Gator Creek Reserve, 14 at Saddle Creek Park, and three at the Lake Fannie Boat Ramp.
Along with getting arrested, the sheriff’s office said those caught in the act are also banned from visiting all county parks in the future.
Anyone can be charged with a lewd conduct offense, and the fact that Polk County law enforcement organizes undercover sting operations in the county parks at least once a month makes it even more probable that innocent people can be entrapped into a lewd conduct charge.
Our Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand these charges are embarrassing and frustrating. Of course you are concerned that your future and permanent record can be compromised, but you also fear your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers will find out about the charge. The social stigma attached to a sex crime can be quite traumatic.
If you are charged with a lewd conduct charge, do not panic. You must defend your rights, and our Florida Lewd & Lascivious Conduct Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help. We are dedicated to protecting your privacy and your future.
For a free consultation, call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online.