"Who's R. Kelly?" - Florida Sheriff DETAILS The Day He Arrested R. Kelly

The speaker, a sheriff, has been in law enforcement for 54 years, starting at the sheriff's office at age 18. He considers it his life's mission and worked his way through the ranks. His lifelong dream was to become the sheriff of his county, and he has declined offers to run for governor, House of Representatives, or Senate, preferring to remain "just a sheriff" and keep the community safe. He discusses the aggressive recruitment of police officers in Polk County, noting that many children aspire to become cops or sheriffs because of his influence. He recounted a humorous story where a new deputy's mother was pinning on his badge, and the sheriff remarked that he had worked for the sheriff's office before the deputy was born. The deputy then humorously responded that the sheriff had worked there before his "mama was born." The sheriff emphasizes his commitment to holding everyone, including law enforcement officers, to the same high standards. He is known for making examples of people who break the law to deter others. When a police officer violates the law, they are investigated, arrested with a warrant, and a press release and press conference are held, often featuring pictures of the arrested deputies. This is done to make it clear that everyone must abide by the rules, and public records are used to inform the community about who is being arrested. He shared an example of a 21-year-old deputy, Jake Erick, who was arrested for falsifying documents, including forgery, uttering a false instrument, using another person's ID without consent, and a public servant altering an official document. Erick resigned at the time of his arrest; otherwise, his employment would have been terminated. The sheriff reiterated that public servants are held to a higher standard, and dishonesty will not be tolerated. He believes that making public examples of individuals is effective because law enforcement officers are expected to be positive role models for the community. He assures that deputies in his community are honest, ethical, and moral, as those who are not cannot work for him. This strict approach fosters strong community support, with residents often showing their appreciation by paying for deputies' meals. The conversation then shifted to famous individuals the sheriff has encountered. While discussing Tiger Woods's recent arrest and a viral clip of him calling the president, the sheriff was asked about similar incidents in Polk County. He recalled an incident several years ago involving rapper R. Kelly, who was hiding out in Davenport, Florida, due to Illinois warrants for sex crimes against children. The sheriff's office arrested R. Kelly and placed him in the county jail. Interestingly, some detention deputies were suspended for posing for pictures with R. Kelly, as it was deemed unprofessional. At the time of his arrest, R. Kelly was known as a high-profile rapper, but the full extent of his deviant behavior was not yet widely known. The sheriff himself did not personally meet R. Kelly, as his team handled the arrest. The sheriff also discussed how he handles situations where individuals, including friends or relatives, try to use his name or influence to avoid arrest. He firmly states that the same standards apply to everyone. He recounted instances where friends or acquaintances, upon being arrested, questioned how he could do this to them. His response is that it "makes me smile" and "warms my heart" because he is a true believer in equal application of the law. He would even jokingly offer them "two pillows and an extra mattress" but confirm they are still going to county jail. He has had friends and relatives arrested and always instructs his deputies to "lock them up" because "we put bad guys in jail. We put people who violate the law in jail."