On Monday, May 22, 2023, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office visited seven convenience stores in the Davenport area in the ongoing Operation Pop Top campaign against illegal alcohol sales.

The checks resulted in the arrest of a sales clerk at the 7-Eleven store at 6023 US 17-92 North. 20-year old Joshua Montanez of Kissimmee was arrested after he sold a 16-ounce can of Bud Light to a 15-year old.

The juvenile is a PCSO Explorer who was working with the PCSO on the operation. The Explorer program is for high school students who are interested in a career in law enforcement and they frequently take part in these checks.

"Deputies are constantly conducting these checks on stores that sell alcohol. The intent is to ensure that they are compliant with state laws regarding alcohol sales by not selling alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years of age. While we expect people to drink responsibly, we also expect retailers to sell responsibly." - Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Deputies reported that Montanez looked at the 15-year old's Learner's Permit which clearly displays that he is under 21, but sold the beer anyway.

Montanez was charged with Selling Alcohol to an Underage Person (M2). 

The other six stores that were checked on Monday refused to sell an alcoholic beverage to the juvenile.