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NewsPolksheriffPolk County

Four More Clerks Arrested in Underage Sales Sting

Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested four convenience store clerks for selling alcohol to underage individuals during a sting operation. The operation, known as 'Operation Pop Top,' utilized high school students from the Cadet Unit 1000 to attempt illegal purchases at local businesses.

law enforcementpublic safetyunderage salesalcohol regulationtobacco regulation
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Why It Matters

Local convenience store clerks face charges for selling alcohol to minors, and one individual was additionally placed under an following the operation.

Key Facts

  • Deputies arrested four sales clerks for selling alcohol to a person under 21 during the week of July 5, 2026.
  • The total number of arrests for 'Operation Pop Top' during this week reached nine.
  • Deputies checked 170 convenience stores and 11 smoke shops during the week.
  • On July 2, 2026, deputies visited 38 stores; three clerks were arrested for selling alcohol to a minor.
  • On July 3, 2026, deputies visited 20 stores; one clerk was arrested for selling alcohol to a minor.
  • Jazmine Bates (Shell, Lakeland) was charged with a misdemeanor for selling alcohol to a person under 21.
  • Shine Thomas (Citgo, Mulberry) was charged with a misdemeanor for selling alcohol to a person under 21 and placed under an ICE hold.
  • Harshaben Patel (Marathon, Haines City) was charged with a misdemeanor for selling alcohol to a person under 21.
  • Lilawattie Thakoordyal (Gate, Lake Wales) was charged with a misdemeanor for selling alcohol to a person under 21.
  • The operation checks for illegal sales of alcohol, tobacco, and kratom to anyone under 21 years of age.

Who's Mentioned

personGrady Judd“Sheriff of Polk County.”personShine Thomas“Arrested clerk at Citgo.”personHarshaben Patel“Arrested clerk at Marathon.”organizationCadet Unit 1000“PCSO program for high school students assisting in sting operations.”personBrian Bruchey“Media contact for the Sheriff's Office.”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency conducting the sting operation.”personJazmine Bates“Arrested clerk at Shell.”personLilawattie Thakoordyal“Arrested clerk at Gate.”