Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Wahneta store clerk on Friday, November 22, 2024, during the latest round of Operation Pop-Top—the agency’s ongoing campaign against illegal alcohol sales to people under 21-years of age.

The deputies visited a total of ten stores in southeast Polk County on Friday, aided by a 15-year old member of the PCSO’s Cadet 1000 program. 

Under the watch of deputies, the student attempted to purchase an alcoholic beverage at each of the stores, and was successful at the Dollar General store at 2871 Rifle Range Road. 

73-year old Beatrice Duke was charged with selling alcohol to a person under 21-years of age, a misdemeanor.

“I don’t look at this arrest as a success, but more of a failure by this clerk to check this child for identification like the law requires. Stores that sell alcoholic beverages have a responsibility to do their part to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff

In addition to the alcohol-checks, the deputies also checked one store and ensured they were compliant with kratom sales laws.