A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and two detectives by 22-year-old Taylor Cadle, who alleges mishandling of her 2016 child rape case involving her adoptive father. According to WFLA, Cadle reported the abuse at age 13 but was instead charged with providing false information to law enforcement after her claims were dismissed.
Cadle told WFLA she felt pressured by Detective Melissa Turnage, who warned her that her living situation could change if her report led to an arrest. This resulted in Cadle being returned to her adoptive father, where the abuse continued.
FOX 35 Orlando reported that the lawsuit accuses the Polk County Sheriff’s Office of maintaining a “pattern, policy, practice and custom, of failing to adequately train and supervise its officers resulting in the deprivation of minors’ constitutional rights.” The complaint cites examples of detectives allegedly minimizing Cadle’s abuse claims.
WTSP reported that Cadle later collected evidence proving the abuse, leading to the arrest and conviction of her adoptive father, Henry Cadle, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison. The lawsuit seeks accountability and reform within the sheriff’s office to prevent similar cases in the future.
