LAKELAND, Florida — A 56-year-old woman from Lakeland was arrested after posing as a Department of Children and Families employee in an attempt to kidnap a 9-year-old boy, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Nicole Terry Thomas was taken into custody on February 13, 2026, and charged with multiple offenses, including four counts of attempted kidnapping, unarmed burglary of an occupied dwelling, criminal action under the color of law, trespassing, and misuse of 911. Deputies responded to a call from Thomas, who requested assistance in removing children from a home, claiming to be a DCF employee.
Witnesses reported that Thomas arrived at the residence with the boy’s biological mother and confronted 28-year-old Nyasia Brooks, who was babysitting four children. According to Brooks, Thomas threatened to remove all the children and refused to leave the property despite being asked multiple times. Thomas also failed to provide any identification or proof of employment with DCF…