News and Investigations

During the afternoon of Tuesday, September 10, 2019, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted more Operation Pop-Top checks in an effort to make sure area businesses do not sell alcohol to minors. Out of the five stores visited, two cashiers violated the law and were subsequently arrested and charged.

Assisting the deputies in these operations are PCSO Explorers. These are high school students enrolled in the Explorer program who are interested in a career in law enforcement. 

The Explorers, under the guidance of deputies, enter stores and attempt to purchase alcohol.

54-year-old Michelle Green, an employee of Circle K (1000 1st St. S, Winter Haven) and 18-year-old Lori Oropeza, an employee of RaceTrac (32886 US Hwy 27, Haines City) were both arrested and charged with Selling Alcohol to a Person Under 21 (M-2). 
In both cases, the clerks asked the Explorer for ID, examined it, and still sold the alcohol.

“We are going to hold store employees accountable for selling alcohol to those under 21 years old. It’s their responsibility to check ID’s at all times. The stores and employees found in compliance did a great job following the law. We congratulate them.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Three other stores refused to sell alcohol to a minor. The stores in compliance were:
- Winter Haven Petroleum, Inc. at 100 E Central Ave. in Winter Haven
- Pronto Station Chevron at 2100 1st St. N. in Winter Haven
- Z and Z Food, Inc. at 5900 Lucerne Park Rd. in Winter Haven