WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 30-year-old Winter Haven man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly exposing himself and engaging in inappropriate behavior in front of an adult woman and four young children in separate incidents.
According to the Winter Haven Police Department, the suspect, Tavarus Harrison, was taken into custody on July 18, 2025, after a concerned adult female flagged down an officer who was working an off-duty security detail in the area of 2nd Street NW.
The woman, who has known Harrison since childhood, told the officer that while she was walking to her residence, Harrison called out to her by name and then exposed himself. She immediately reported the incident, providing a positive identification of the suspect due to their longstanding acquaintance.
Following the initial report, officers launched a search and located Harrison the following day, July 19. He was arrested and charged with one count of Exposure of Sexual Organs, a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law. Harrison was booked into the Polk County Jail, where he remained in custody as further allegations came to light.
Shortly after the arrest, officers received additional reports involving four children, ages 6 to 12, who had a disturbing encounter with Harrison two days earlier on July 17. According to the children, Harrison was seen standing against a wall near their home, allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior in their presence.
The case was turned over to Winter Haven Police detectives, who arranged forensic interviews for each child with trained professionals. The children independently described similar behaviors and all positively identified Harrison as the individual involved. Their statements led detectives to conclude that Harrison’s actions went beyond mere exposure and involved lewd conduct.
On July 23, 2025, while still incarcerated under the initial misdemeanor charge, Harrison was formally charged with four additional counts of Exhibition Offense on a Victim Under the Age of 16, each classified as a second-degree felony in the state of Florida. These charges significantly elevate the severity of the case and reflect the serious nature of the allegations, especially involving minors.
Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe commended the bravery of the young victims in coming forward.
“I am so proud of these children stepping up and telling us about what they saw,” Chief Monroe said in a statement. “The courage to say something speaks to the values that have been instilled in these kids.”
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional victims may be involved, but the investigation remains ongoing. The community has been urged to contact law enforcement with any relevant information that might assist the case.
Harrison remains in the Polk County Jail, and his bond status, court date, and potential additional charges are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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