A suspect, identified as Marcelino Gillen-Hernandez, has been charged with arson, burglary, and criminal mischief following a series of incidents in Wahneta, Winter Haven. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the suspect, who is reportedly in the U.S. illegally from Mexico, confessed to the crimes and is now held in Polk County Jail, with an ICE hold placed on him.
Initiating over a weekend, the local homeowner reported two separate arsons on her property — the burning of grass and later setting a wooden pallet on fire beneath a mobile home. The Polk County Sheriff's Office states that the homeowner confronted Hernandez, who admitted to setting the fires. During the investigation, Hernandez revealed that he was instructed to light the fires by individuals from a previous residence. Deputies also found an accelerant, suspected to be used in the arsons, in Hernandez's possessions.
Moreover, during an unrelated investigation, Hernandez also admitted to breaking windows at the Placita Mexico store on three different occasions. In a statement obtained by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Hernandez expressed his frustration due to issues with people in the area, targeting the business due to perceived inaction from the store owner concerning these issues.
For the damage caused to the property and local business, totaling over $1,600, Hernandez faces multiple charges, including two counts of arson and several burglary and criminal mischief counts. These charges have been elevated owing to Hernandez's immigration status. As reported by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Grady Judd remarked, "This suspect - who is in the country illegally - committed very serious felonies while taking advantage of someone who allowed him to live in a trailer on her property. He caused over $1600 worth of damage to a local business as well."
Sheriff Judd also noted that the suspect had a criminal history, mentioning a previous arrest in 2024 for aggravated assault. "He should have been deported back then and perhaps he wouldn't have been here to terrorize and victimize others," Judd added on Polk County Sheriff's Office.
