WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 30-year-old Winter Haven man, Tavarus Harrison, is facing a series of serious criminal charges following allegations of exposing himself and engaging in lewd behavior in front of an adult woman and four young children in separate incidents in July 2025.
According to the Winter Haven Police Department, the sequence of events began on July 18, 2025, when a woman flagged down an officer working an off-duty security detail near 2nd Street Northwest. The woman, who has known Harrison since childhood, reported that he called out her name while she was walking to her residence and then exposed himself to her. Her familiarity with Harrison allowed her to provide a positive identification, prompting immediate action from law enforcement.
Officers located Harrison the following day, July 19, 2025, and arrested him on one count of Exposure of Sexual Organs, a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law. He was booked into the Polk County Jail, where he remained as the investigation unfolded.
Subsequently, authorities received reports from four children, aged 6 to 12, who described a disturbing encounter with Harrison on July 17, 2025. The children stated that they saw Harrison standing against a wall near their home, allegedly touching himself in a lewd manner. Detectives from the Winter Haven Police Department conducted forensic interviews with the children, who each independently corroborated the incident and identified Harrison as the perpetrator.
Based on the children’s statements, detectives determined that Harrison’s actions constituted more than simple exposure. On July 23, 2025, while still in custody for the initial misdemeanor charge, Harrison was charged with four additional counts of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition in the Presence of a Victim Under 16, each a second-degree felony under Florida law. These felony charges significantly escalate the consequences Harrison faces due to the involvement of minors.
Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe praised the courage of the young victims, stating, “I am so proud of these children stepping up and telling us about what they saw. The courage to say something speaks to the values that have been instilled in these kids.”
The investigation remains active, with authorities exploring the possibility of additional victims or related incidents. The Winter Haven Police Department has encouraged the community to come forward with any information that could assist in the case. Harrison remains in custody at the Polk County Jail, with bond status and court dates pending as of July 25, 2025. Further updates on potential additional charges or court proceedings are expected in the near future.
