Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives conducted a prostitution “reverse sting” in the unincorporated area west of Lakeland on New Tampa Highway, Lakeland, between McCue Road and the Polk County Parkway. Sheriff’s Office deputies have focused on this area for various quality of life crimes in recent months, including prostitution. Detectives have arrested numerous prostitutes in the area. Thursday’s enforcement focused on the men who solicit sex from prostitutes in the area.
Prior to the operation detectives circulated the area in an effort to remove working prostitutes from the streets. One prostitute was arrested, 29-year-old Heather Miller. This was her fourth arrest in as many months. She was on bond for her 3rd offense of prostitution. Detectives also arrested Ricardo Campos, 41 years, for interfering with an investigation—he is believed to be a “look out” for the prostitutes. He was seen with one previously arrested prostitute prior to his arrest. He was arrested for interfering with an investigation when he was observed warning “johns” of the presence of law enforcement as undercover detectives worked in the area.
A total of sixteen people were arrested. Fourteen were men who solicited undercover female detectives for sex.
The following suspects were arrested: (name, date of birth, address, charge)
1. Heather Miller, 4/20/82, Dillie Street, Lakeland, FL, Solicit 3rd or Subsequent Offense
2. Ricardo Campos, 1/9/70, Jarrod Avenue, Lakeland, FL, Obstruct/interfere with Investigation
3. James Carnley, 9/20/42, Munn Avenue, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd
4. Richard Swezy, 6/11/48, Heart Street, Waverly, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
5. Daniel Murphy, 10/10/83, New Jersey Road, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
6. Anthony Fulbright, 10/21/77, Stonewater Court, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
7. Mongi Mechergui, W. Reynolds Road, Lakeland, FL, 10/12/75, Commit Lewd Act
8. Papillon Guzman, Armor Road, Plant City, FL, 01/22/85, Commit Lewd Act
9. Jimmy Smith, 5/28/69, Wilkinson Road, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
10. Justino Calsada, 7/18/80, Laurel Street, Mulberry, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
11. Jarrall Deloach, 1/4/1978, New Tampa Highway, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
12. John Shiley, 4/8/52, Sterling Drive, W., Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
13. Augustin Ocampo, 2/25/89, Hibiscus Parkway, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution, Resisting arrest
14. Christopher Sirmans 7/3/80, 4655 N. Calloway Road, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
15. Ahmos Rofaiel, 12/17/56, Sharyl Street, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
16. Shelton Kennedy, 9/8/46, Lewelyn Road, Lakeland, FL, Solicit another to commit lewd/prostitution
At the end of the investigation, when detectives were leaving the area, several residents approached detectives and thanked them for helping to clean up the prostitution problem in their neighborhood. Several other residents waved and gave a “thumbs up” to detectives as they drove away.
Sheriff Grady Judd: “Like any other neighborhood, the hard working people who live in this area don’t want prostitution and other related crimes hurting their quality of life. They have children, loved ones, and businesses—they want to live in an area where they don’t have to worry about prostitution, drugs, and the crimes and diseases related to this kind of illegal activity.”
