News and Investigations

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man Thursday, June 18, 2026, who was trying to arrange a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl via a dating app. In this case, the suspect is from Haiti and in the United States illegally.

The PCSO’s Cyber Crimes Unit had placed an advertisement on the dating service, posing as a father who was trying to prostitute his daughter for a sex-for-money transaction. 

On Thursday, an undercover detective was contacted by phone about the ad. The suspect was made aware that the girl he was planning to meet was only 14-years-old, and he agreed to pay her father $100 to have sexual intercourse with her.

At around 1:09 pm, the suspect arrived at the designated meet-up location and he was quickly arrested. 

The suspect was identified as 33-year-old James Cherubin of Haiti. Mr. Cherubin is currently residing in Winter Haven. He came to the United States on a work visa that has since expired, and he has been unemployed for the past six months.

“This is the second day in a row that we have captured someone who was trying to victimize a child for his own sick pleasure. These demented perverts are unfortunately out there, and my detectives, who are the very best at what they do, are working to pluck them out of society and put them in jail where they belong.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

James Cherubin was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and booked-in on charges of: Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity (Victim less than 18) (FL), Use a Computer to Solicit a Parent/Guardian (F2), Traveling to Meet After Using a Computer to Solicit a Parent for Sex with a Minor (F1), Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F2), and Attempted Lewd Battery (F2).

Due to Cherubin’s illegal immigration status, all charges will be enhanced one degree per state law. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement was also contacted, and an ICE hold has been placed against Cherubin.