According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded around 3:22 p.m. to a home on Eight Iron Drive after receiving a call from Nicole Terry Thomas. The woman was claiming to be a Department of Children and Families (DCF) employee. The caller—later identified as Thomas—asked for help removing children from the residence. She was arrested.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for policing unincorporated areas and several contract cities. It operates the county jail and provides court security. It is led by elected Sheriff Grady Judd, a highly visible figure in Florida law enforcement and state politics.

https://lawandcrime.com/crime/woman-posed-as-dcf-agent-and-tried-to-kidnap-9-year-old-from-babysitter-with-help-from-911-police/

Nicole Terry Thomas Arrested After Impersonation

Investigators say Thomas arrived at the home with another woman and began knocking aggressively on the door and windows while a babysitter was inside caring for four children. Thomas allegedly told the babysitter she was a DCF case manager and had come to take custody of the 9-year-old boy.

When the babysitter refused, Thomas reportedly escalated the situation by threatening to remove all four children from the home. Authorities noted that she failed to produce any identification or proof of employment when asked.

Despite being told repeatedly to leave the property, Thomas allegedly remained and even placed a call indicating she would be “working late” to find homes for the children she intended to remove.

911 Call Raises Alarms

In a surprising twist, Thomas allegedly called 911 herself, seeking law enforcement assistance to carry out the removal of the children. Deputies quickly recognized inconsistencies in her claims upon arrival.

Further investigation revealed that the child’s biological mother—who reportedly has mental disabilities and does not have custody—had met Thomas through church. Thomas allegedly convinced the mother she worked for DCF and could help her regain custody of her son.

https://connect.polksheriff.org/news-investigations/2026/02/16/fake-child-protective-services-employee-arrested-by-pcso-after-attempting-to-remove-a-child-from-a-lakeland-residence

Nicole Terry Thomas Arrested and Charged 

When confronted by deputies, Thomas reportedly admitted to impersonating a government employee. Sheriff Grady Judd criticized her actions, stating:

“She impersonated a government employee, threatened to take four children, and even called 911 to try to get a deputy to help her pull it all off. I'd say she clearly didn't think that one through.”

Thomas has been charged with four counts of attempted first-degree kidnapping, along with additional charges including misuse of the 911 system, trespassing, and burglary of an occupied dwelling.

She is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on February 19.