Palm Coast, FL - Investigators with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) arrest four men after receiving reports of inappropriate, sexual meetings that were taking place at the Graham Swamp Preserve.
A release from FCSO says undercover detectives found multiple families with children in the area without any knowledge of what kind of activities can take place within the park and the trails, which is what led to Tuesday's operation (November 3rd).
In one arrest report, an undercover detective detailed a conversation he had with 61-year-old Harold White, who was later arrested by FCSO. According to the report, an undercover detective engaged White in conversation as White was sitting on one of the park's hiking trails. During their conversation, White began to grope himself before lifting his shorts to expose himself to the detective as he "uttered sexual dialogue."
The detective soon told White that he wanted to go back to the parking area, which is when White followed him back. When they arrived, White was met with other detectives who produced FCSO credentials and arrested him.
Three other males were arrested that day, including 74-year-old Thomas Deakins, 72-year-old John Troxler and 56-year-old John Gauci Jr. All four men were arrested and charged with exposure of sexual organs.
“This has been an ongoing problem for years at Graham Swamp and we have addressed it numerous times,” said Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly. “Let this be a fair warning to anyone seeking this kind of interaction. Future operations are already in the works as there is zero tolerance for this conduct in our public parks. It is inappropriate and unacceptable.”
