Polk County detectives are asking for the public's help to identify an older white man who, deputies say, exposed himself to a 5-year-old inside the Mulberry Walmart. A store worker raised the alarm after spotting the man shadowing a mother and child through the soda aisle, then trailing them into the cold-food section. Sheriff Grady Judd told followers he would deliver a Facebook Live update at 2:45 p.m. Thursday to lay out what investigators have learned so far.
What Deputies Say Happened
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the incident unfolded around 6 p.m. Monday inside the Mulberry Walmart at 6745 Church Ave North. Investigators say the man exposed his genitals by pulling them through the zippered portion of his shorts in the cold-food section, then hid himself behind a box before walking away. The case is logged as PCSO case 26-28197. Deputies describe the suspect as an older white man wearing a red polo shirt, black shorts and gray shoes.
Sheriff's Update and Live Briefing
Sheriff Grady Judd said in a post on X that "We have an update in the investigation" and announced he would go live on Facebook at 2:45 p.m. Thursday to brief residents. With little time before the update, the sheriff's office and Crime Stoppers pushed out the surveillance clip widely in hopes fresh tips would come in ahead of the briefing.
What the Surveillance Clip Shows
The video posted to Crime Stoppers' YouTube channel shows the man trailing the mother and child down an aisle and later walking out of the store. The listing from Polk County links directly to the same footage for anyone trying to help identify him. Investigators say the clip includes clear still images and a short segment of the suspect leaving, and they are urging anyone who recognizes the man to contact them.
How to Pass Along Tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kesler at (863) 224-0774 or [email protected], or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The Crime Stoppers posting repeats the case number and includes the surveillance stills detectives released.
Legal Context
Under Florida law, an "actual lewd exhibition of the genitals" or other lewd conduct in the presence of a child falls under Chapter 800 and can be charged as a felony, according to state statutes. For the exact wording and definitions of lewd or lascivious acts and indecent exposure, readers can consult the Florida Legislature's overview of Chapter 800.
Polk's Recent Focus on Child Predators
Polk County officials have recently spotlighted stings and operations targeting child predators, including multi-agency efforts they have referred to as "Operation Child Protector," which produced several arrests earlier this year. Local coverage of those operations highlights why the sheriff's office is aggressively circulating this Walmart clip: investigators say community tips often make the difference in putting a name to an unidentified suspect.
