The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested five suspects and obtained warrants for two others following a month-long undercover narcotics investigation conducted across multiple communities in Polk County.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit and Tactical Drug Unit began the investigation on April 30, 2026, targeting suspected drug activity in Haines City, Lake Wales, Davenport, Lakeland, Auburndale, and Winter Haven. The operation concluded Thursday, May 28, with multiple arrests and outstanding warrants.
Authorities said three of the arrested suspects are charged with selling marijuana within 1,000 feet of a church, while two others are charged with selling cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church.
Among those arrested was 23-year-old Donovan Roserie of Lakeland, who was on probation for burglary and grand theft and was wearing an ankle monitor when he allegedly sold narcotics to an undercover detective. Detectives reported finding a firearm, ammunition, and marijuana packaged for sale inside his apartment. Roserie also faces a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Others arrested include 26-year-old Darwin Outsey Jr. of Haines City, 53-year-old Arnold McFarlane of Lakeland, 33-year-old Tiffany Marie Morrison of Lakeland, and 23-year-old Demetrius Tyrone Jackson of Lakeland.
Detectives are still searching for Jacob Esau Jackson IV, 37, and Jacquez Gamble, 22, who are wanted on drug-related charges connected to the investigation.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts to contact the agency at 863-298-6200 or submit an anonymous tip through Heartland Crime Stoppers.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
