‘From house party to hoosegow’: Deputies make 10 arrests in Polk County house party bust

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ten people, including eight minors, were arrested during a house party bust in Polk County on Wednesday.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were responding to a residence in Lakeland following reports of a minor violating her probation.

The complaints started on Tuesday when residents reported a rental home had “become a nuisance,” with minors coming and going at all hours of the night.

Detectives contacted Sandra Gross, 59, who was renting the home, and during a search of the property found eight minors in various rooms along with a Crown Royal bag that contained marijuana, as well as a marijuana grinder on a bedside table.

While detectives were there, 23-year-old My’Eyeland Johnson arrived to pick up his nephew. Despite multiple orders to leave, Johnson refused and was arrested for resisting arrest.

Gross was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, open house party, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, maintaining a residence for drug use, possession of a suspended license, and fugitive from justice for smuggling contraband out of a prison in Tennessee.

One of the minors, a 15-year-old, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of felony probation for petit theft, burglary-structure, battery, and battery on a law enforcement officer.

The other seven minors, ranging from age 13 to 17, were arrested and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. They were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

“I want to extend my deepest thanks to the residents of this community for their vigilance,” Sherrif Grady Judd said. “Your willingness to ‘see something and say something’ about this suspicious activity has been instrumental in our efforts to maintain safety and order.”

Together, we can continue to protect our neighborhoods and ensure a secure environment for everyone. Your partnership with law enforcement is invaluable, and we are committed to working alongside you to uphold the peace and security of our community.”

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