Every weekday  we will have the Polk Mugshot of The Day. The mugshot will be someone arrested in Polk County in the past couple of weeks. The mugshot along with the charges will be posted. Please remember these individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

Polk Mugshot of the Day brought to you by polkmugshot.com.

SMITH, SIDNEY  

Race: W    Sex: M    DOB: 11/26/1994 
Height: 602     Weight: 155 
Arresting Agency: LAKE WALES POLICE DEPT.

Charges:  HOMICIDE-MURDER DANGEROUS DEPRAVED WO PREMEDITATION – No Bond,  2 Counts AGGRAV ASSLT – WEAPON-W DEADLY WEAPON WITHOUT INTENT – Surety $1000, RESIST OFFICER-OBSTRUCT WO VIOLENCE Surety $1000 

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Ft. Meade, Florida – Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives are investigating the death of 16-month-old Cliff D. Booz, DOB 09/25/2013, of Fort Meade, who was being treated at Tampa General Hospital after being found in the family’s pool Wednesday, January 28, 2015.  Cliff died early this morning, Thursday, January 29, 2015.  An autopsy will be conducted in Hillsborough County.

At approximately 4:04 pm, on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a toddler who had been found in the family’s above ground pool at 3296 Lake Buffum Road West, a rural area of Fort Meade.

The child’s mother, 27-year-old Kimberly M. Booz, pulled her son from the pool.  Emergency responders were contacted and Kimberly, her father, and a neighbor all rendered aid as EMS was enroute.

The child was originally airlifted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, then transferred to Tampa General Hospital where he was initially listed in critical condition late yesterday.  He did not survive.

The incident appears to be a tragic accident.  The investigation is ongoing.

Frostproof, Florida – According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office a semi carrying pallets has rolled over and is blocking traffic in the northbound lanes of Hwy 27. The accident occurred in front of the Town Star convenience story where 27 intersects with US 98. We have no reports of injuries at this time.

Easter Egg Hunts Happening in Polk County! Check them out!

April 04 Easter Egg Hunt Ft. Meade Outdoor Recreation Area, U.S. 98 E. on Peace River, Ft. Meade 9 am SHARP
April 04 Easter Egg Hunt Hunt Fountain Park, 2020 Duff Road, Lakeland 9 am SHARP
April 04 Easter Egg Hunt Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center, 2226 Karen Street, Lake Wales 9 am SHARP
April 04 Easter Egg Hunt Medulla Resource Center, 1049 Parker Road, Lakeland 9 am SHARP
April 04 Easter Egg Hunt Northeast Regional Park, 50901 US Highway 27, Davenport 9 am SHARP
April 04 Easter Egg Hunt Polk City Park, 5130 Duey Road, Polk City 9 am SHARP
April 04 Easter Egg Hunt Snively-Brooks Park, 191 9th Street, Eloise 9 am SHARP
April 04 Easter Egg Hunt Westwood Park, 1145 36th Street N.W., Winter Haven 9 am SHARP

Frostproof, Florida – Shortly after 8:00 pm, on Saturday, April 24, 2015, 30-year-old Maurice A. Hudson, of Douglas Way, Frostproof, operating a 1993 Suzuki dirt bike, was east bound on the two lane section of Fort Mead Road approaching the intersection of Hopson Road in Frostproof. 

At approximately the same time, a 1998 black Ford Explorer driven by 74-year-old Bernard Clayton, Queen’s Court, Frostproof, was west bound on Fort Meade Road and did not observe any vehicles approaching and began to turn left onto Hopson Road.   The motorcycle then struck the Explorer ejecting Hudson off the motorcycle.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived and medical attention was provided on scene.  Hudson was then air lifted to Tampa General due to the severity of his injuries.

Based on roadway evidence, vehicle inspections, and interviews, the motorcycle was not equipped with lights, or proper equipment to be on the public right of way. There were no skid marks or other evidence that either vehicle applied their brakes.

Hudson was not wearing a helmet.  He is currently listed in critical condition.

Clayton was uninjured and was wearing his seat belt.  His air bag did not deploy.

Fort Meade Rd was closed at the intersection of Hopson Road for approximately three hours before being reopened.

The investigation is ongoing.  

At approximately 9:58 pm on Sunday, April 26, 2015, 41-year-old Lori Marlene Young, Terri Terrace, Fort Meade, wearing dark clothing, was walking south on 80 Foot Road. The roadway has no lighting.

22-year-old Crista Kay Todd, Avenue U, Winter Haven, was traveling south on 80 Foot Road in a 2013, white, Nissan Altima. After passing J. Stenger Road, Todd saw Young in the roadway and attempted to avoid hitting Young but was unsuccessful and the front right of the Altima struck Young.

Todd stopped and called for assistance. Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with Polk County Fire Rescue responded and attempted to render aide, however, Young was pronounced deceased at the scene

Based on witnesses statements and evidence at the scene, it appears Young had been traveling with her husband along 80 Foot Road, and had a verbal disagreement with her husband. Young exited the vehicle to end the disagreement.

At this time speed does not appear to be a factor in this incident. Todd was wearing her seat belt. There are no pending criminal charges at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

Second Positive Case of Rabies in 2015 Confirmed

At approximately 7:00 am, on Friday, June 5, 2015, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control officers responded to the 1800 block of J. Jackson Road, Fort Meade after receiving a call about a dog fighting with a raccoon.

The dog’s owner told officers the pet saw the raccoon in the yard and attacked it.  The dog had scratches to its face.  The dog was current on rabies vaccinations, and will be placed on a 45-day quarantine.

The raccoon was impounded and sent to the State Laboratory for rabies testing.  The raccoon was confirmed positive for rabies on Wednesday, June 10, 2015.

This is the second confirmed Rabies case for Polk County this year.

The first incident occurred on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, a dog owner living on Stokes Road in Lake Wales reported that her dog killed a raccoon on the patio area of the home.   The raccoon was confirmed positive for rabies on Friday, May 15th.

Residents are reminded that raccoons and bats are among the mammals considered to be high risk species or “rabies vector species” (RVS). However, please do not approach any animal which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an “exposure,” please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.499.2600.

For more information on Rabies, please visit: http://www.polksheriff.org/InsidePCSO/LE/SOD/BOSO/AC/Pages/RabiesandYou.aspx

During a seven-month long investigation, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover detectives, working with the Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or HIDTA, Task Force detectives, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Tampa Office, the Florida Attorney General’s Office of State Wide Prosecution, and the State Attorney’s Office of the 10th Judicial Circuit, arrested 11 suspects, seized 65 pounds of Methamphetamine, seized $15,390 in US currency, seized two vehicles, and seven firearms all in connection to a Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization. 

“Simply put, Meth is the most destructive illegal drug on the streets in central Florida. It ruins lives, destroys families, and drives up property crime. In order to make money without having an honest job, these drug traffickers are ruining the lives of hundreds of people.” – Sheriff Grady Judd 

During the spring of 2015, PCSO detectives received information about a drug trafficking organization operating in central Florida with ties to Mexico. Detectives learned large amounts of methamphetamine were being moved from Mexico to the United States, often through Houston Texas and Atlanta Georgia, and then to central Florida, with trafficking amounts being supplied to customers of the organization in Polk County. 

As the investigation progressed, 45-year-old Guadalupe Aguirre, DOB 03/10/1970, 816 Indian Bluff, Winter Haven, was identified as head of the illegal trafficking organization here in Florida. Detectives learned Aguirre would receive meth shipments directly from Mexico, then employed several other people to distribute the drugs. Those people were: 

Cruz Vergara-Cavillo DOB 5/3/78, 1236 Martin Luther King Jr. Place, Palmetto 
Jfelix Hilario-Escobar, DOB 08/14/1955, 2415 Hutchins Road, Lot 67, Fort Meade 
Melanie Bengoa-Torres DOB 9/19/1995, 12101 Sterling University Lane, Orlando 

Aguirre also used couriers and sold directly to customers. 

In early July 2015, Central Florida HIDTA detectives and DEA agents seized 20 pounds of meth from a Bradenton residence. The drug was disguised as commercially packaged Mexican candy with pieces individually wrapped in the form of colorful suckers and hard candy pieces. Detectives and agents arrested 41-year-old Jesus Casteyano-Andrade (aka Castellano-Andrade), DOB 01/01/1974. Casteyano was charged with Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams of Methamphetamine by the US Attorney’s Office, Middle District. Andrade was a courier for the organization. (This case made Bradenton news on July 9, 2015.) 

Also during July, detectives learned two subjects, 26-year-old Marcos Acuna, DOB 8/9/1989, 3601 Baker Dairy Road, Haines City, and 23-year-old Gelacio Albarran, DOB 01/02/1992, also, of 3601 Baker Dairy Road, were scheduled to transport 2.5 pounds of meth, supplied by Vergara-Cavillo. Detectives were able to intercept the shipment in Haines City and arrested Acuna and Albarran. Acuna was charged with Possession of a Structure/Vehicle for Drug Use, DWLSR, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Albarran was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia. 

In Sumter County, on August 14, 2015, Florida Highway Patrol Officers intercepted 2.5 pounds of meth from a courier, Mirna DeCastillo, DOB 10/13/1964, 6854 Windfaire Drive, Norcross, Georgia, as she traveled from Atlanta to central Florida. DeCastillo was charged with Own/Rent Structure-Vehicle for Drug Use, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 Grams, Conspiracy to Traffic over 200 Grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device, and booked into the Sumter County jail. 

Soon after DeCastillo’s arrest, detectives learned a residence in Lake Wales was operating as a “stash house” for the organization. On August 19th, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence where 25.5 pounds of meth was discovered. When detectives arrived, a young child was located in the residence. Detectives arrested 27-year-old Gilberto Cuevas Hernandez, and 31-year-old Rachel Rodriguez. 

Detectives learned Hernandez’s role in the organization was that of “cook.” Hernandez was converting the drug from liquid methamphetamine into crystal form. The child present during the search of the residence, along with two other children, had been present when the “cooking” process was being done. The children were between seven and 10 years of age. Hernandez was charged with Trafficking in Amphetamine over 200 grams, four counts of Negligent Child Abuse without Bodily Harm, and Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Rodriguez was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Manufacturing Methamphetamine and Negligent Child Abuse. They were booked into the Polk County Jail. (Per FL State Statute 119, the address or any information which may identify the child victims is confidential.) 

On September 1, 2015, detectives executed a search warrant at Hilario-Escobar’s Fort Meade residence where a pound of meth and $15,390 in cash was located. Escobar was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device. 

Detectives learned Escobar was expecting a delivery and detectives were able to intercept Guadalupe Aguirre as he was traveling to Fort Meade to make the transaction. Detectives discovered 13.5 pounds of meth concealed in a blue five gallon bucket in the bed of Aguirre’s truck. Aguirre was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 Grams, Conspiracy to Traffic over 200 Grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device. 

On September 16, 2015, detectives arrested Cruz Bergara-Cavillo DOB 5/3/78 – 1236 Martin Luther King Jr. Place, Palmetto, charging him with Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 Grams, Conspiracy to Traffic over 200 Grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device. 

Also arrested were: 

Melanie Bengoa-Torres DOB 9/19/1995 – 12101 Sterling University Lane, Orlando, charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 Grams, Conspiracy to Traffic over 200 Grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device. 

Dustin Scott Pineda DOB 12/21/1990 – 3309 Rooks Road, Davenport, charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 Grams, Conspiracy to Traffic over 200 Grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device. Pineda is an associate of Bengoa-Torres. 

Additional information: 

Aguirre is a resident alien and receives federal assistance and is unemployed – he has been in the Polk County jail three times previously. His previous criminal arrests include DWLSR, two separate DUI arrests, Conceal Firearm, and Disorderly Intoxication. Detectives located four rifles and two handguns at Aguirre’s residence. 

Vergara-Cavillo is in the US illegally and is unemployed. He has one prior arrest; No Valid Driver License. 

Hilario-Escobar is in the US illegally and is unemployed. 

Bengoa-Torres is unemployed. 

Caseyano is in the US illegally and is unemployed – he has six previous felony charges of Aggravated Battery with Motor Vehicle, and four misdemeanors arrest charges. His arrests were not in Polk County. 

Acuna is in the US illegally and is unemployed. 

Albarran is in the US illegally and is unemployed. 

Morales-DeCastillo is in the US illegally and is unemployed. 

Hernandez is in the US illegally and is unemployed. Detectives located a rifle at this residence. 

Rodriguez receives federal assistance and is unemployed. She has been in the Polk County jail four times previously. Her arrest charges include Operating a Vehicle without a License, False info to LEO, Larceny, Grand Theft Auto, Petit Theft, and VOP. 

Pineda is unemployed. He has been in the Polk County jail five times previously. His arrest charges include Criminal Mischief, Resisting LEO, Disorderly Intoxication, Possession of Hydrocodone (2 counts), and multiple drug related arrests to include Felony Possession of Cannabis, and Possession with Intent to Sell, DUI, Disorderly Conduct, and DWLSR. 

*The street value of 65 pounds of meth is approximately $5,000,00