281 Arrested In Polk County Sting

Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 281 people during a seven-day investigation that ended Friday, Oct. 30.

The operation targeted human trafficking, prostitution offenses, and adults seeking sexual contact with children. Investigators filed 198 felony charges and 290 misdemeanor charges against the suspects.

Seventeen suspects told detectives they worked at local theme parks or resorts. The employment information came from suspects’ statements to investigators. The sheriff’s office confirmed that seven of those suspects were arrested in the child-related investigation.

Detectives used undercover officers posing online as children or guardians. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the arrests included seven theme park workers and a children’s football and cheerleading coach. “It is extremely disturbing when we encounter nasty child predators like these who are very eager to have sex with children,” Judd said.

Among those arrested was Eric Raymond, 40, of Winter Garden, Florida. An Orange County deputy assigned as a school resource officer at an elementary school, Raymond was charged with one misdemeanor count of soliciting prostitution. Investigators allege he agreed to pay an undercover detective $110 for sex.

Robert Schulz, 67, of Bartow, Florida, a retired New York City firefighter, faced charges including traveling to meet a minor and attempted lewd or lascivious battery. He allegedly arranged sexual contact with a supposed 13-year-old boy. Rashion Crayton, 31, of Bartow, identified as a Davenport Titans youth football coach, also faced charges for allegedly arranging to meet a supposed 14-year-old girl.

Investigators identified 11 human trafficking victims. They screened all 122 people who traveled to engage in prostitution for trafficking or exploitation. The sheriff’s office reported that 32 arrested individuals lacked lawful immigration status and came from nine countries. Twenty-two suspects collectively received $8,373 monthly in public assistance.