*Editors Note: I’ve personally known both Dedric Brinson and Freddie Brinson for a long time. Prior to them, even realizing it I used to referee their youth football games. I’ve known Freddie more than Dedric, but I found both these young men to never be aggressive or belligerent (Dedric, lately has a podcast where he does get very emotional, but he is producing content). However, some serious allegations have been levied against both of them. I cannot condone any illegal behavior, which may or may not have occurred. The starting issue was an issue involving Freddie’s son we believe and a school guardian. As a father of three children I can get very emotional in defending them. I hate that this has occurred for these two young men and will be in prayer for this to be resolved in the best possible manner. – Carl Fish
Winter Haven, FL – A local father, Frederick Brinson, was arrested following a verbal altercation at Garden Grove Elementary School that escalated into alleged online harassment and a potential threat against the school.
The incident occurred during a school event when Brinson allegedly engaged in a heated argument with school guardian Laporchia Hodge. District Supervising Guardian Aaron Wilson intervened after noticing Brinson aggressively recording Hodge with his phone. Concerned about the escalating situation, Wilson radioed law enforcement, and both guardians retreated to the front office to wait for police. Brinson was eventually escorted off campus.
Brinson later posted the confrontation on his Facebook account, where he could be seen reportedly cursing at and directing racial slurs toward Guardian Hodge. In the video, he explicitly stated that he would not stop harassing her and made a reference to going “full John Q” on the school—a reference to a movie in which a desperate father takes a hospital hostage to get medical care for his son. This statement reportedly created fear for Hodge and school staff, as Brinson’s anger and aggression suggested he might pose a real threat.
Following this, Brinson allegedly contacted Wilson’s son via Facebook and persuaded him to have a phone conversation. Unbeknownst to Wilson’s son, the conversation was secretly recorded by Brinson’s brother and later broadcast on Facebook Live. This unauthorized recording and public posting violated privacy laws.
After investigating the incident, authorities determined Brinson had allegedly committed multiple offenses, including:
• Harassment (FSS. 784.048(3)) – By repeatedly verbally harassing Guardian Hodge and causing her emotional distress.
• Making a Credible Threat (FSS. 836.10) – By referencing the “John Q” scenario, which raised concerns for the safety of the school and its staff.
• Cyber Harassment (FSS. 934.215) – By using electronic means to further criminal activity.
• Disrupting a School Function (FSS. 877.13) – By preventing school staff from performing their duties.
• Disorderly Conduct (FSS. 877.03) – By using profane language and name-calling in the presence of staff, parents, and students.
• Unlawful Interception and Distribution of Communication (FSS. 934.03 (1)(D)) – By facilitating the unauthorized recording and dissemination of a private conversation.
Brinson was arrested and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Booking Facility. During an interview, he admitted to his actions but claimed he did not know they were illegal. He also insisted that his statements were taken out of context and did not mean them as they were perceived.
Law enforcement continues to stress the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment in schools and online, warning that threats and harassment—whether in person or through social media—carry serious legal consequences.
Editors Note: The initial information on what precipitated this incident is not entirely known at this time. We will update as more information is released.
