Overview
- Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Friday a six‑day sweep dubbed “Polk Around and Find Out” led to 266 arrests and 439 charges.
- The operation brought together local, state and federal partners, with ICE assisting in cases that involved people in the U.S. illegally.
- The broader crackdown followed a weeklong undercover effort that arrested 19 suspects for alleged child‑predator offenses and totaled 85 felonies and 8 misdemeanors.
- Among those earlier arrests, Thomas Allen Hicks, 68, a seasonal Santa performer, allegedly agreed to pay $200 to have sex with a 13‑year‑old in an online sting.
- Hicks faces human trafficking and related charges, Tri‑County confirmed he was fired, and authorities say investigations and prosecutions are ongoing.