WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) arrested a man on Thursday, January 16, 2025, for engaging in lewd activity at Lions Park, located at 820 Avenue L SW in Winter Haven.
PCSO Vice detectives were conducting undercover operations at the park following community complaints about inappropriate behavior. According to authorities, 30-year-old Freddyali Garcia Rivera, a resident of Winter Haven, was taken into custody after exposing himself and engaging in lewd behavior in front of an undercover detective.
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“Parks are for individuals and families who want to relax or enjoy nature. They don’t want to be subjected to people behaving in a crude or vulgar manner. Our undercover detectives routinely visit parks across the county in an effort to keep these areas safe and enjoyable for everyone,” said Sheriff Grady Judd in a statement.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. when Garcia Rivera allegedly yelled out to the undercover detective. Upon approaching, the detective observed the suspect with his pants pulled down, exposing and fondling himself in public. Garcia Rivera then reportedly invited the detective to join him in his vehicle.
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It was at that moment the detective revealed his identity, informing Garcia Rivera that he was under arrest. The suspect was transported to the Polk County Jail, where he was charged with Exposure of a Sexual Organ (Misdemeanor 1st Degree) and Soliciting Another to Commit Lewdness (Misdemeanor 1st Degree).
The PCSO continues to encourage the public to report suspicious activity in parks and other public spaces to help maintain a safe environment for families and visitors.
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