LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – A former detention deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) was arrested Wednesday morning after confessing to the lewd molestation of a 14-year-old girl. Adrian Felix, 24, of Lake Alfred, resigned from his position upon his arrest.
According to the PCSO, the investigation began Tuesday evening when Felix contacted a deputy he knew and admitted to inappropriately touching a juvenile, stating his intention to turn himself in. However, when interviewed by a special victims detective, Felix declined to answer any questions regarding the incident.
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The allegations surfaced after the victim texted a female witness on Tuesday afternoon, detailing that Felix had acted “weird” towards her the previous Sunday evening while she was at his home. The victim reported that Felix touched her thighs, buttocks, and breasts over her clothing, and rubbed her back under her shirt.
The witness then confronted Felix about the accusations. Initially denying the allegations, he later confessed and stated he would surrender to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators also learned that the victim had disclosed the molestation to another witness.
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“Adrian Felix’s actions were deeply unacceptable and egregious,” stated Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “As a former detention deputy, he was responsible for supervising inmates—he was on the outside looking in. Now he’s on the inside looking out.”
Felix had been employed as a detention deputy with the PCSO since January 21, 2025. Upon his arrest, he immediately resigned. Sheriff Judd confirmed that had he not resigned, his employment would have been terminated.
Adrian Felix was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with two counts of Lewd Molestation (Suspect over 18/Victim between 12-16), a second-degree felony.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation into this matter is ongoing.
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