A sales clerk in Lake Wales was arrested Thursday, January 6, 2022, after he sold alcohol to an 18-year old who was working with Polk County deputies. It was the only illegal sale of alcohol during six stops at Lake Wales stores, which is a part of PCSO's ongoing Operation Pop Top. The campaign conducts the undercover checks to ensure that stores are compliant with state law, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

"Stores in the county know we do this; we don't try to hide that fact. We want them to be aware that we will continue to do these operations so that the stores and employees aren't selling alcohol illegally."- Grady Judd, Sheriff

Arrested on Thursday was 29-year old Rashaud Lyndell Freeman of Lake Wales. He was working in the Shell store at 1349 SR 60 East, Lake Wales, when he made the illegal sale.

The five other Lake Wales stores visited Thursday which refused to sell to the Explorer were:

• Racetrac located at 2422 US 27
• GATE Petroleum located at 2950 Ridge Way
• Wawa located at 23623 US 27
• Lily Citgo located at 20500 US 27
• Central Citgo located at 19509 US 27

The deputies are assisted by PCSO Explorers who attempt to purchase alcohol at the stores. The Explorers program is comprised of students who are interested in a career in law enforcement.

The Explorer who took part in the checks was an 18-year old.