News and Investigations

Three sales clerks at three different convenience stores were arrested Friday, July 23, 2021, as the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continued the ongoing Operation Pop-Top campaign in which deputies ensure alcohol is not being sold to anyone under the age of 21.

Deputies visited 13 stores on Friday, accompanied by a PCSO Explorer. The Explorer program is for high school students who are interested in a career in law enforcement. In each of the visits, the 19-year old Explorer attempted to purchase an alcoholic beverage at each store.

“This operation is an important ongoing practice to make sure stores are not selling alcohol to anyone under 21-years of age. We do them frequently. It’s very disappointing that the Explorer was able to make an alcohol purchase three times on Friday. Businesses who sell alcohol need to make sure they are checking ID’s and denying sales to those who are too young.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The three sales clerks arrested on Friday were:
- Jessica Carson, 30, Lakeland (Circle K at 1410 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland)
- Adasha Stovall, 29, Plant City (Kangaroo Express at 2100 W Memorial Blvd., Lakeland)
- Allison Alderman, 22, Lakeland (Circle K at 7250 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland)

The following stores refused sales to the Explorer:
- Nicks Citgo Food Mart       1219 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Lakeland
- Sunoco                              1205 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland
- 7-Eleven                            316 E Memorial Blvd Lakeland
- Milmish Investments          835 W Memorial Blvd Lakeland
- Mobil                                 1615 W Memorial Blvd Lakeland
- Circle K                             2109 W Memorial Blvd Lakeland
- Circle K                             3100 N Galloway Rd Lakeland
- Circle K                             4415 Kathleen Rd Lakeland
- One Stop Shop                 3029 Duff Rd Lakeland
- Shell                                  2993 Duff Rd Lakeland