Lake Wales, Florida – On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives arrested 66-year-old Stephen Glenn Charest of Lake Wales for one count Solicitation Another to Commit Lewdness, at Lake Fannie Boat Ramp. Charest is the pastor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales.
The following is an excerpt from the affidavit:
On the above date and time, I was working in an undercover capacity in the area of Winter Haven, Florida (Polk County). I was at the Lake Fannie Boat Ramp, when I observed an unknown white male walk into the wooded area. Detectives were in the area in response to complaints of lewd activity.
I walked into the wooded area where I made contact with the male. Then after some casual conversation I asked the unknown male what he was doing in the wooded area. The defendant stated the following, “I want you to [expletive describing a lewd act].” I then asked the defendant, “Ok, is that what you want me to do?” The defendant replied, “Yeah.” I then asked the defendant, “You ready?” The defendant then replied, “Yeah.”
The defendant solicited me to perform oral sex on him in a public place. I showed the defendant my badge and identified myself as a Detective from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Charest was booked into the Polk County Jail on the aforementioned charge, and released after posting $250.00 bond.
