Full Breakdown
Florida Woman Arrested for Attempted Kidnapping Posing as DCF Employee
2/19/2026, 3:45:07 AM
Incident Overview
On February 13, 2023, Nicole Terry Thomas, a 56-year-old woman from Florida, was arrested for attempting to kidnap four children while impersonating a Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) employee. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that Thomas arrived at a Lakeland home with the intention of removing a 9-year-old boy from the residence, where he was being babysat by 28-year-old Nyasia Brooks along with three other children.
Details of the Attempted Kidnapping
According to the sheriff’s office, Thomas called the Emergency Communications Center, falsely claiming to be a DCF employee and requesting assistance in removing the children. She had previously told the boy’s biological mother, who suffers from mental disabilities and does not have custody of her son, that she was a DCF case manager. Thomas allegedly offered to help the mother regain custody of her son, further establishing a deceptive rapport.
Upon her arrival, Thomas informed Brooks that she was there to take the 9-year-old boy to his mother. Brooks, however, refused to cooperate and insisted that Thomas leave the premises. In response, Thomas threatened to take all four children from the home. Following this confrontation, Thomas made a call indicating she would be working late to find homes for the children she intended to remove.
Arrest and Charges
Thomas was arrested on multiple charges, including four counts of attempted kidnapping, one count of unarmed burglary of an occupied dwelling, two counts of criminal action under the color of law, one count of trespassing, and one count of misuse of 911. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the situation, noting that Thomas admitted to detectives that she should have known better than to impersonate a government employee. A judge subsequently denied her bond, and she is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on February 19.
Official Statements & Responses
Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the seriousness of Thomas's 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.” The sheriff's office reiterated that Thomas never provided any proof of her employment with DCF during the incident.
Criticism & Opposition
While the sheriff's office has not faced public criticism regarding their response to the incident, the actions of Thomas have raised concerns about the vulnerability of families dealing with child custody issues. The biological mother’s mental health status and her relationship with Thomas, who attended the same church, highlight the potential for manipulation in sensitive situations.
What's Next
Thomas is expected to appear in court for her pretrial hearing on February 19, where further legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the charges against her. The case underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting children from individuals posing as authority figures.
