News and Investigations

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two sales clerks on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, during their ongoing Operation Pop Top campaign, in which they visit area stores testing their compliance to the state alcohol sales law.

The deputies are joined each time by a PCSO Explorer, a high school student interested in a career in law enforcement, who attempts to purchase alcoholic beverages.

“Four of the six stores visited refused to sell an alcoholic beverage to the 17-year-old Explorer, and we congratulate the clerks and stores who refused those attempted purchases. Stores and their employees have a legal obligation to make sure they are only selling alcohol to people over 21-years of age; unfortunately, two stores failed.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Arrested on Tuesday were:
• 22-year-old Adrien Bryant of Lakeland, who was the sales clerk at the RaceTrac at 6650 US 98 North in Lakeland.

• 39-year-old Sharita Everett of Lakeland, who was the sales clerk at the 7-Eleven store at 5870 US 98 North in Lakeland.

The four stores which were visited and found to be in compliance were:
• Circle K                  7250 US 98 North             Lakeland
• Circle K                  8324 US 98 North             Lakeland
• Circle K                  10704 US 98 North           Lakeland
• Chevron                 10705 US 98 North           Lakeland