Winter Haven, FL – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) announced today that they have arrested Matthew Rafferty, a 47-year-old man from Winter Haven, after he attempted to arrange and carry out a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl. This arrest is part of an ongoing operation by the PCSO Cyber Crimes Unit aimed at protecting children from online predators.
On June 18, 2026, Rafferty responded to a fake advertisement posted on a dating app created by undercover detectives posing as a father trying to prostitute his daughter. Despite being informed that the girl was only 14 years old, Rafferty agreed to meet and pay $50 for sexual services over a phone call. The next day, he arrived at the designated meeting place where he was apprehended by law enforcement.
Upon arrest, Rafferty confessed to all communications with detectives and admitted having cash in his wallet intended for payment. He is currently employed as a manager at Jazzy’s Diner in Winter Haven after recently relocating from Pennsylvania.
Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the case: “This is the third predator we have arrested within one week who traveled to Polk County with intentions of sexually abusing children, which reinforces our belief that these individuals are so focused on their deviant behavior they ignore all warning signs and laws meant to protect minors. Our commitment remains steadfast in ensuring child safety.”
Matthew Rafferty has been charged with Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity-Victim under 18 (Florida law), Traveling to Meet Using a Computer to Solicit a Parent for Sex with a Minor, Attempting Lewd/Lascivious Battery on Victim 12-16, Use of a Computer to Solicit a Parent/Guardian, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. He is currently being held at the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies like PCSO in combating online child exploitation and emphasizes their dedication to safeguarding children from potential threats.