Sheriff: Lakeland Teacher “Earns Detention” After Vandalism Arrest

iSkyNews and Media May 04, 2026

Deanna Kay Parks, 54 / 📸 Photo credit: Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO)

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published May 4, 2026

Lakeland, FL — A teacher at Valleyview Elementary School in Lakeland has been arrested following a vandalism investigation tied to a personal dispute, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say Deanna Kay Parks, 54, of Lakeland, was taken into custody on Friday, May 1, 2026, and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center, where she was charged with Felony Criminal Mischief (F3).

According to investigators, the incident occurred on April 26 at approximately 12:45 a.m., when the victim’s vehicle was parked at her boyfriend’s home near Yarborough Lane in Lakeland. When the victim returned to her car, she discovered it had been moved about 20 feet, sustained damage to the rear bumper, and had scratches along both sides.

Detectives say the vehicle belongs to the current girlfriend of Parks’ ex-boyfriend, suggesting the act may have been driven by a personal conflict. During the same timeframe, Parks allegedly sent a rude and profane text message to her ex-boyfriend.

As the investigation progressed, detectives located Parks’ black 2025 Jeep at her residence. Authorities say the vehicle showed damage consistent with striking the victim’s car, along with paint transfer matching the victim’s vehicle, and additional evidence placing it in the area at the time of the incident.

During an investigative interview, Parks initially denied being involved and claimed there was no damage to her vehicle. However, after being confronted with the evidence, she reportedly changed her statement, claiming she had been involved in a “fender bender” weeks earlier.

Based on the findings, deputies established probable cause and made the arrest.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd issued a statement following the arrest:

“Elementary teachers should never behave this way. Miss Parks earned herself a detention at the Polk County Jail, and she needs to relearn, ‘Keep your hands off of other people’s property.’”

According to Polk County Public Schools, Parks remains employed with the district while the situation is under review. Officials stated, “Ms. Parks is still a PCPS employee, this incident is being reviewed by school district staff.”