The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Lakeland elementary school teacher following a vandalism investigation involving a vehicle belonging to her ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 54-year-old Deanna Kay Parks, of Lakeland, was taken into custody on Friday, May 1, 2026, and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. She has been charged with Felony Criminal Mischief (F3).
Detectives say the incident occurred on April 26 at approximately 12:45 a.m. while the victim’s vehicle was parked at her boyfriend’s residence near Yarborough Lane in Lakeland. The victim later discovered the vehicle had been moved about 20 feet, sustained damage to the rear bumper, and had scratches on both sides.
Investigators determined that during the same timeframe, Parks sent a profane text message to her ex-boyfriend. Detectives later located Parks’ black 2025 Jeep with damage consistent with striking the victim’s vehicle, along with paint transfer matching the victim’s car. Evidence also placed the Jeep in the area at the time of the incident.
During an interview, Parks denied being involved in any crash before later stating she had been in a “fender bender” weeks earlier.
According to Polk County Public Schools, Parks remains employed while the incident is under review by district staff.
