LAKELAND, FL — A Lake Wales woman was arrested after allegedly misusing the 911 emergency system and was later found to be in possession of fentanyl hidden on her person during the booking process, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Sheriff Grady Judd, the incident began at approximately 10:12 p.m. on June 13, 2026, when 48-year-old Gina Kathelia Redding drove around deputies who were diverting traffic for utility crews working on power lines near Combee Road North and Jungle Street in Lakeland. Deputies conducted a traffic stop at that location and issued Redding a citation.
Following the stop, deputies said Redding began following the deputy and called 911, requesting to speak with a supervisor regarding the citation. Investigators said the calls were determined to be a misuse of the emergency system, and Redding was arrested.
During an inventory search of Redding’s vehicle prior to towing, deputies located marijuana inside the center console. Although Redding reportedly possessed a medical marijuana card, investigators said the marijuana was not stored in its original dispensary container as required by law. She was additionally charged with possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.
While being processed at the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center, detention staff discovered a plastic bag concealed inside Redding’s vaginal area. According to the arrest affidavit, the bag contained 28 smaller baggies filled with a white powdery substance. The substance later tested positive for fentanyl.
Redding was ultimately charged with Misuse of the 911 System, Possession of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Introducing Contraband Into a Detention Facility.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
