On Thursday, January 19, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Haines City and Davenport areas. 

Nine stores were checked, and eight of them were found in compliance with Florida State Statutes.

The following clerk was arrested and charged with one count Sale of Alcohol to Person Under 21 Years of Age:

Ashok B. Patel, DOB 8/29/1961, of 374 Villa Sorrento Circle in Haines City. Patel works at the Mystik Food Store located at 304 US Hwy 17/92 in Haines City.

The clerks at the following stores refused to sell alcohol to the minor:

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