The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is cracking down on lewd activity in parks by sending more undercover detectives out.
On Thursday, a 71-year-old Ontario man, who spends time at his vacation home in Lakeland, was arrested and charged with indecent exposure and soliciting. The arrest happened at Gator Creek Reserve, north of Lakeland.
The man allegedly exposed himself and asked the undercover detective if he liked snakes, according to an arrest affidavit. The word “snakes” was code for asking the detective if he wanted to engage in sexual acts, according to the report.
After the man was arrested, he apparently told investigators he thought the detective would expose himself in return. He also reportedly told investigators that wasn’t his first time engaging in this type of activity in the park.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, within the past year, 16 people have been arrested for soliciting lewd activity from undercover deputies in county parks.
If you have been arrested for lewd activity or indecent exposure at any Tampa Bay area park, call our Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton at 866-608-5529 for a free and confidential case evaluation. While any accusation of this type is embarrassing, you should not go to court alone. A conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record which can cause employment, immigration, travel, and other consequences. As former prosecutors, we will analyze the unique facts and circumstances of your arrest, any statement you made to the police, and go over any possible defense options available to you.
Don’t let a seemingly minor offense ruin your future. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.