News and Investigations

UPDATE:
Our detectives continued their investigation into the violation of probation by a juvenile, which was their initial reason for beginning their canvass of the neighborhood in the Crystal Lake area of Lakeland on Wednesday. After receiving a tip, the juvenile was located on Friday, July 26, 2024 at about noon at a home in Lakeland. Three juveniles were arrested, their ages range between 14 and 17, and their charges include a warrants, violation of probation, and resisting arrest.  

On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, around 5:00 p.m., detectives from the Southwest District arrested 10 suspects, eight of them juveniles, after responding to a residence in Lakeland, following reports of a juvenile who was violating her probation and an open house party.

The investigation began on July 23, 2024, while deputies were investigating recent vehicle burglaries and thefts in the area of Country Club Lane in the unincorporated Crystal Lake area of Lakeland. Several residents reported that a rental home, rented by Sandra Gross, had become a nuisance, with juveniles frequenting the location at all hours of the night.

Detectives made contact with Gross, who confirmed that her granddaughter (on probation) was not present. During a search of the property, eight juveniles were discovered inside the residence in various rooms, along with a Crown Royal bag containing marijuana on the living room couch and a grinder with marijuana on a bedside table.

While detectives were conducting their investigation, My’Eyeland Johnson arrived to pick up his nephew. Despite multiple lawful orders to vacate the property, Johnson refused and was subsequently arrested for resisting arrest.

The following suspects were arrested:
- Sandra Gross (59): Possession of Marijuana under 20 Grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Open House Party, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Maintaining a Residence for Drug Use, Possession of Suspended Driver’s License, Fugitive from Justice (Tennessee - Smuggling Contraband into Prison)
- My’Eyeland Johnson (23): Resisting Arrest
- Izaih Wiggins (15): Possession of Marijuana under 20 Grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Violation of Felony Probation for petit theft, burglary-structure, battery, and battery on a law enforcement officer.

Seven juveniles were also arrested, ages 13-17, and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. They were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

“I want to extend my deepest thanks to the residents of this community for their vigilance. Your willingness to ‘see something and say something’ about this suspicious activity has been instrumental in our efforts to maintain safety and order. Together, we can continue to protect our neighborhoods and ensure a secure environment for everyone. Your partnership with law enforcement is invaluable, and we are committed to working alongside you to uphold the peace and security of our community.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff