#ThomasAllenHicks of Lakeland, Florida, was among 19 suspects arrested during “Operation Child Protector VIII,” a multi-day sting led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office targeting child predators. #ThomasHicks
🚨68-year-old Florida Republican who spent decades as a pastor and years portraying Santa Claus at community events has been arrested for allegedly attempting to pay $200 to s*xually abuse a 13-year-old girl — who turned out to be an undercover detective.
May 2, 2026 at 9:57 AM
#ThomasAllenHicks of Lakeland, Florida, was among 19 suspects arrested during “Operation Child Protector VIII,” a multi-day sting led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office targeting child predators. #ThomasHicks