Senior Citizens Accused Of Lewd Behavior In Lakeland Park

LAKELAND, FL — Two senior citizens were arrested in a Lakeland park Tuesday after they allegedly exposed themselves and solicited sex from an undercover male detective, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Seventy-year-old Jay Westdrop and 68-year-old Mark Green were taken into custody at the Gator Creek Preserve.

"Undercover detectives conducted an investigation following complaints of the lewd behavior occurring in various parks within the county," explained the sheriff's office. "One of the suspects had been arrested previously for the same crime."

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Sheriff Grady Judd said both men have been "trespassed" from all Polk County parks.

"Each time we conduct one of these undercover investigations, we make at least one arrest. That's the good news, and the bad news," said Judd in announcing the arrests. "We want our parks to be places where families can enjoy the beautiful Florida weather, without seeing activity like this."

Westdrop of the 4900 block of Lakeland Harbor Boulevard, was charged with soliciting another for lewd act - 2nd offense and indecent exposure. He was being held on $1,500 bond. Westdrop was arrested in 1992 for indecent exposure and disorderly conduct at Saddle Creek Park.

Green of the 9500 block of Anglers Way was charged with offer to commit lewdness and indecent exposure. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and released after posting a $1,000 bond.

Photo of Jay Westdrop courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office