LAKELAND, FL — Polk County has no shortage of unusual arrests, but this one may be in a category of its own. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 46-year-old Christina Clemens on a charge rarely seen in modern criminal cases, living in open adultery. What makes the case considerably more unusual is who deputies allege the relationship involved: her 22-year-old biological son, Shane Clemens.
According to arrest affidavits, detectives allege the mother and son maintained a sexual relationship for approximately four years. Both are now charged with incest, while Christina faces the additional adultery charge.
Eye In The Sky News asked someone familiar with the situation at the Sheriff’s Office just how uncommon that charge is. The answer was notable. In their 27 years with the agency, they said they had never seen an adultery charge before this case.
The investigation began Aug. 21 during a separate domestic violence investigation involving Shane. According to the affidavit, deputies responded after Shane allegedly became involved in an argument with a woman over her phone and pushed her to the ground.
Deputies reported observing injuries to the woman’s palms, and a witness allegedly corroborated her account. Investigators said Shane later admitted during an interview that he pushed her.
It was during that investigation that deputies said Shane disclosed the alleged sexual relationship with his mother. Shane told investigators the relationship began after he turned 18 and had continued for approximately four years, according to the affidavit.
Investigators interviewed Shane again at the Central County Jail on Aug. 25. Deputies said he provided additional details about the relationship, including that the encounters occurred at their shared Lakeland residence.
Investigators also monitored a jail phone call between Shane and Christina. According to the affidavit, Christina allegedly asked Shane whether he wanted to “stop doing what we do.” Investigators also alleged the conversation included discussion about deleting evidence from Shane’s phone.
Deputies interviewed Christina on Aug. 27. After being advised of her Miranda rights, Christina agreed to speak with investigators, according to the affidavit. Deputies said she admitted to having sexual intercourse with Shane on at least 100 separate occasions and acknowledged other sexual activity between them.
Investigators reviewed Shane’s birth certificate and confirmed Christina is his biological mother, according to the affidavit.
Both Christina and Shane were charged with incest, a third-degree felony. Christina was additionally charged with living in open adultery, a second-degree misdemeanor. The affidavit states Christina had been legally married to her husband for approximately 10 years. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE & ARRESTS AFFIDAVIT
