Woman Posed as CPS to Kidnap Boy

In Lakeland, Florida, a 56-year-old woman identified as Nicole Terry Thomas was apprehended by Polk County deputies on Friday, February 13, 2026, for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 9-year-old boy. Thomas is accused of posing as a child protective services worker to gain access to the child from a local residence. She later called 911 herself, seeking police intervention to remove the children from the home, a move Sheriff Grady Judd characterized as poorly planned. Thomas faces several charges, including four counts of attempted kidnapping, burglary, and misusing the 911 system.

The incident unfolded when Thomas approached the residence, claiming to be a Department of Children and Families (DCF) case manager sent to pick up the child. The babysitter, Nyasia Brooks, refused to hand over the boy, prompting Thomas to threaten the removal of all four children present. Detectives noted Thomas failed to provide identification during the encounter. The child's mother, who has mental disabilities and is not the custodial parent, had reportedly met Thomas at church, where Thomas allegedly promised to help her regain custody, acting as a DCF employee. Thomas's criminal history includes prior charges of kidnapping, child abuse, battery, and fraud. She was denied bond on her kidnapping charges and is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on February 19, 2026.