Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd turned the arrest of a traveling youth football team into a referendum on crime policies this weekend, drawing a sharp contrast between how the law is enforced in Florida versus Pennsylvania.
Eight members of the “United Thoroughbreds,” a youth team from Philadelphia, were arrested Saturday morning for a coordinated shoplifting scheme at a Dick’s Sporting Goods. While the teenagers face felony charges, Sheriff Judd used the incident to send a pointed message to officials in their home state.
Judd suggested that a lack of consequences back home may have emboldened the teens to commit crimes while visiting Florida. Judd noted that crime in Polk County is at a 53-year low.
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“Listen, I don’t know how you do things in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Still stop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and get away with it,” Sheriff Judd said. “Hey, here’s a note to the people in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: If you hold kids accountable and responsible… they don’t do it. Ask and see if crime in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is at a 53-year low.”
The Sheriff’s comments came after deputies dismantled what they described as an organized theft ring run by the players, who were in town for the Prolifix Nationals championship.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the eight teenagers, aged 14 and 15, entered the store in Davenport with a plan. One player purchased a small item to get a legitimate store bag, which the group then used to conceal more than $2,200 worth of merchandise. The stolen goods included high-end Nike athletic wear and specific football accessories like “Jolly Rancher” flavored mouthguards and chrome back plates.
Deputies were waiting when the group attempted to leave.
The consequences extended beyond the legal charges. The team was scheduled to play in a championship game later that same Saturday. Instead of taking the field, the players were transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
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“These juveniles… came here from out of state for a football tournament, and instead of representing their team with pride, they chose to commit a crime,” Judd added.
The teens have been charged with Retail Theft over $750 and Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft. Their coach, Raekwon Bynes, identified the players at the scene. Records from Philadelphia indicate none of the teens had prior arrest histories, a fact Judd leveraged to underscore his point about strict enforcement serving as a deterrent.
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