Polk County deputies arrest store clerk for illegal alcohol sale

LAKELAND, Florida — Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested a store clerk on Monday for selling alcohol to a minor.

The arrest was part of the ongoing "Operation Pop Top" campaign, in which deputies visit stores to ensure compliance with state alcohol sales laws. An 18-year-old PCSO Cadet attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages at nine Lakeland area stores, succeeding only at the Mobile store located at 2100 West Memorial Boulevard.

"Sales clerks are the gatekeepers at these stores; they must check IDs and they must refuse to sell alcohol or kratom to anyone under the age of 21...it's the law. We are very serious about enforcing the laws here in Polk County, and we have been very clear about that," said Sheriff Grady Judd.

Tracey Holman, a 58-year-old, was arrested and charged with Selling Alcohol to a Person Under 21 years of Age, a misdemeanor, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.