News and Investigations

During an 8-day-long undercover investigation from February 22-29, 2024, named “Operation Child Predator V,” Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, along with the Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, and Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, charged eight suspects with crimes related to those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity.

The suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children or adults who had access to children online. Five suspects showed up to an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to sexually batter children. Those five wanted to pay an adult hundreds of dollars to have sex with who they thought was a child – they were charged with human trafficking, a life felony.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for three other suspects who committed crimes against who they thought were children online and they were later taken into custody.

“We conduct proactive operations like this to help keep our children safe. I’m so thankful for our detectives and partnering agencies for their hard work to keep our children safe from predators who sexually abuse, groom, and corrupt our children. Parents need to be ‘all up in their child’s business’ when it comes to electronic devices that give them access to online gaming, mobile applications, texting, or the internet. Check their devices regularly, and ensure parental controls are enabled to keep predators like these away from your kids.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

In all, detectives filed 27 felony charges against these 8 suspects.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED:

1. 41-year-old Larry William Hayes, DOB 12/10/1982, of Plant City, FL. Hayes sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. Hayes communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $250.00 to perform sex acts on the child. Hayes also sent several explicit images of his genitalia to the undercover detective. Hayes traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. He told detectives that he is retired from the U.S. Army, and is married with three children.

Hayes was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
·        Human trafficking (FL)
·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

2. 37-year-old Edmundo Dasilva, DOB 02/07/1987, of Holly Springs, NC. Dasilva sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $60.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He said that he would be traveling through Florida and would like to meet, and that he had just turned 18 years old. Dasilva traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. He had two condoms in his pocket. He told detectives that he is married and that he works for Homeland Security as a Transportation Security Officer.

Dasilva was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
·        Human trafficking (FL)
·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

3. 29-year-old Nelson Louis, DOB 09/06/1994, of Tampa, FL. Louis sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and said he “just wanted to have fun before he went to work.” He agreed to pay $100.00 for a half hour of sex with the child. He traveled to the undercover location and was arrested.

Louis was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
·        Human trafficking (FL)
·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

4. 27-year-old Hasan Abu Halemeh, DOB 07/15/1996, of Brandon, FL. Abu Halemeh sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $225.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He asked if the girl was a virgin and if he would be “her first.” He traveled to the undercover location and was arrested.

Abu Halemeh was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
·        Human trafficking (FL)
·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

5. 45-year-old Willie Merrill, DOB 03/14/1978, of Plant City, FL. Merrill sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $80.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He traveled to the location with the cash and a condom in his pockets. After being arrested, detectives learned he is a registered sex offender for a 2005 conviction of statutory rape in Georgia. He was previously arrested by PCSO in 2017 during an undercover prostitution investigation, for which he spent 364 days in jail.

Merrill was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
·        Human trafficking (FL)
·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
·        Attempted traveling to meet a minor (F3)
·        Attempted use of computer to solicit guardian (M1)

6. 34-year-old Brandon Ray, DOB 03/28/1989, of Mulberry, FL. Ray sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $100.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He repeatedly asked for photos of the child and also said, “I’ve watched enough to catch a predator show on TV” and also said, “Grady don’t play.” Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and took him into custody on March 7, 2024. He told detectives he is a bus mechanic employed by Polk County Public Schools.

Ray was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

7. 45-year-old Manuel Canasi, DOB 07/27/1978, of Land O’ Lakes, FL. Canasi sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $100 for a half hour alone with the child. He sent the undercover detective a screenshot of Sheriff Judd holding a news conference, saying, “That Sheriff out there is a hard a** and doesn’t play.” The suspect tried several times to travel to the undercover location but was unable due to his job and other family obligations (he is married and has a son and two teenaged daughters). Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and he was taken into custody in Pasco County.

Canasi is charged with:
Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

8. 61-year-old John Adams, DOB 12/18/1962, of Dunedin, FL. Adams sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay to perform sex acts on the child. He said he was a gentleman and respectful and that he wanted to “enjoy this experience with her.”

Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and on March 13, 2024, PCSO received a tip that a man matching his description was working at a residence being built in the area of Bayshore and 140th Streets in Madeira Beach. With the help of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, he was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on the Polk County Warrant.

Adams is charged with:

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F3)
·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

He will be transferred to the Polk County Jail.

Detectives charge 16 registered sexual offenders and predators

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Response Team conducted an initiative during the month of February 2024, aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida's registration laws for convicted sex offenders and sex predators (FSS 775.21 & 943.0435)* within Polk County. Detectives charged 16 suspects with failure to comply with registration laws and/or violation of probation.

There are 1,256 sexual offenders and 153 sexual predators registered in Polk County. Registered offenders and predators are checked every quarter by Polk County law enforcement officers to ensure they are in compliance with Florida’s sexual offender/predator registration laws, although the state requirement is for only predators to be checked quarterly, and offenders once a year. During the initiative Polk County Sheriff’s Office SVRT detectives arrested 16 offenders and predators – each of these suspects have prior sex offenses involving a child.

"Our detectives work hard year-round to keep track of convicted sexual offenders and predators who reside in Polk County to ensure they remain compliant with the law. It is our mission to keep our community – especially the children within our community – safe. That is why we conduct initiatives like this one. These 16 suspects learned the hard way that we take every one of the requirements seriously, and failure to comply will result in an arrest." - Grady Judd, Sheriff.

The following is a list of those arrested (16) during this initiative, and a summary of their offenses:

Robert Miranda, 32, of Titusville, FL. Miranda is a sexual offender based on a 2001 conviction of lewd and lascivious battery on a child 12-15 years old. He was recently arrested in Brevard County on a Polk County warrant for attempted kidnapping (of a child), indecent exposure, and lewd and lascivious exhibition (click here to read the news release: https://tinyurl.com/yckn6c5f). During that investigation detectives found he had violated three different sex offender registration laws, regarding his vehicles and address. He was charged with 3 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Rodney Van David Williams, 47, of Plant City, FL. Williams is a sexual offender based on a 2006 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He has 2016 and 2018 convictions for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws. He was arrested again for failing to register his address with PCSO and the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Kevin Hairston, 31, of 4284 Old Dixie Hwy, Auburndale. Hairston is a sexual offender based on a 2022 conviction for possession of child pornography. He is on probation until 2027. He was arrested for failing to report Internet use (he has a Plenty of Fish account); he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws, and Violation of Probation.

Vondale Barnes, 45, of 1409 Dawn Heights Drive, Lakeland. Barnes is a sexual predator based on a 2012 conviction of sexual battery on a child. He is on probation until 2035. He was arrested for failing to update his address and maintain a valid license with the Florida DHSMV. Barnes was charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Predator Registration laws, and Violation of Probation.

Juanel Mikulak, 36, of 1378 Merrimack Place in Davenport. Mikulak is a sexual offender based on a 2008 conviction for 2 counts criminal sexual conduct, in Minnesota. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle and maintain a valid license with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Edwin Pagan Gonzalez, 47, of 72 Suburban Drive in Lake Alfred. Gonzalez is a sexual offender based on a 2022 conviction for use of a computer to seduce a child. He was arrested in Orange County on a Polk Warrant for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Joseph Coppins, 57, of 2117 Cabernet Court in Eagle Lake. Coppins is a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Brenda Kay Barton, 56, of 9400 US Hwy 192 #221 in Clermont. Barton is a sexual offender based on a 2006 conviction for procurement of a child for prostitution, in Colorado. She was arrested for failing to update her Florida license with the Florida DHSMV; she’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Timothy Demoura, 39, of 3020 Mar Lisa Cove Road in Lake Wales. Demoura is a sexual offender based on a 2018 conviction for possession of child pornography. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Mitchell Leo Thurston, 39, of 329 Andover Drive in Davenport. Thurston is a sexual offender based on a 2008 conviction for sexual battery by an adult on a victim under 12. He was arrested for failing to update his Florida license with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Barbara Bernice Griffith, 49, of 24 Tennessee Lane in Auburndale. Griffith is a sexual offender based on a 2001 conviction for unlawful sexual activity with a minor between 16-17 years old. She was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; she’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Homer Dewayne Rudd, 71, of 4710 Hunt Road in Bartow. Rudd is a sexual offender based on a 2015 conviction for possession of child pornography. He was arrested for failing to register within a required month; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Mark Osgood, 24, of 4780 New Tampa Hwy in Lakeland. Osgood is a sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim under 16. He was arrested for failing to register his address and update his license; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

John Camarena, 34, of 666 Lake Dexter Circle in Winter Haven. Camarena is a sexual offender based on a 2009 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old, in California. He was arrested for failing to update his license; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

WANTED:

James Macarthur Johnson, 39, at large. Johnson is a sexual offender based on a 2019 conviction for unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He has failed to report his residence to PCSO and the Florida DHSMV; he has a warrant for his arrest for 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Antone Renar Starks, 48, at large. Starks is a sexual offender based on a 2000 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16. He has failed to update his license with the Florida DHSMV; he has a warrant for his arrest for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

If you have information regarding Johnson’s or Starks’ whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

• CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
• DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
• VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
• DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.

*Convicted sex offenders and sex predators are required by Florida law to register and maintain updated information regarding the following identifying information: name; social security number; age; race; sex; date of birth; height; weight; tattoos or other identifying marks; hair and eye color; photograph; address of legal residence (or temporary residence); electronic mail addresses; Internet identifiers and each Internet identifier's corresponding website homepage or application software name; home telephone numbers and cellular telephone numbers; employment information; driver's license or Florida ID information; the make, model, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license tag number of all vehicles owned.