A Lakeland private school administrator is facing several criminal charges following a traffic stop on Interstate 4 in Polk County, Florida. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on the afternoon of July 11, 2026, and involved allegations of driving with a revoked license and resisting law enforcement during the encounter.
The case has attracted public attention because the individual serves in a leadership role at a private educational institution. Authorities allege the situation escalated after repeated instructions were given during the traffic stop, resulting in additional charges beyond the original driving violation.
The investigation remains part of the legal process, and the allegations will ultimately be addressed in court.
Traffic Stop
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the traffic stop took place at approximately 1:09 p.m. on westbound Interstate 4 near Polk City.
Deputies stopped a gray Chevrolet Traverse after determining that the driver, Dominique Lasahy DeVeaux, 36, was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
Authorities identified DeVeaux as the assistant head of school at Academy Prep of Lakeland.
The stop quickly developed into a broader investigation after deputies reviewed her driving history and interacted with her at the scene.
License History
Investigators stated that DeVeaux’s driver’s license had previously been revoked due to her status as a habitual traffic offender.
According to official records cited by authorities, the five-year revocation began on November 26, 2024.
Officials also reported multiple additional suspensions during 2025, including actions taken in March, June, and August because of unpaid traffic-related obligations.
Records further indicate that the license was revoked indefinitely on May 3, according to investigators.
Authorities also reported seven outstanding traffic citations in Orange County.
Incident Escalates
According to investigators, deputies instructed DeVeaux several times to exit the vehicle.
Officials allege she initially ignored two commands before eventually complying after a third request.
The Sheriff’s Office further claims that as deputies attempted to place her into custody, the situation became physical.
Investigators allege that DeVeaux resisted, turned her body, and struck a deputy’s hand before breaking free from his grip.
Those allegations resulted in several additional criminal charges.
Other Occupants
Authorities stated that two other individuals were inside the vehicle during the incident.
According to investigators, the passengers included one adult male and one young child.
Officials have not reported that either passenger was accused of wrongdoing or injured during the encounter.
The presence of a child at the scene was later referenced in comments issued by the Sheriff’s Office regarding the incident.
Sheriff’s Statement
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd publicly addressed the arrest following the incident.
In his statement, Judd criticized the alleged conduct during the traffic stop and expressed concern because DeVeaux holds a leadership position in a school environment.
He also commented that educators are expected to demonstrate positive behavior for students and children in their care.
The Sheriff’s remarks were included as part of the agency’s public release regarding the investigation.
Criminal Charges
Following the investigation, DeVeaux was booked into the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
According to authorities, she faces the following charges:
- Battery on a law enforcement officer
- Resisting an officer with violence
- Driving while license suspended or revoked as a habitual traffic offender
- Resisting an officer without violence
The first three allegations are classified as third-degree felonies under Florida law, while the final allegation is a misdemeanor.
All charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
Legal Process
As with all criminal cases, the judicial process will determine the outcome.
Prosecutors must present evidence supporting each allegation, while the defense will have the opportunity to challenge that evidence through the court system.
No determination regarding guilt has been made, and DeVeaux is entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
Future court hearings will determine how the case progresses.
Traffic Enforcement
Florida law provides penalties for individuals who continue operating vehicles after repeated license suspensions or revocations.
Habitual traffic offender designations generally apply after multiple serious traffic-related violations within a specified period.
Law enforcement agencies routinely use vehicle registration databases and driver records during traffic stops to verify license status.
Driving with a revoked license may lead to additional criminal consequences depending on an individual’s driving history.
Public Interest
The case has generated attention because it involves a school administrator serving in a leadership role.
Incidents involving educators or school officials often receive greater public scrutiny due to the responsibilities associated with supervising students and representing educational institutions.
Officials have not indicated whether the arrest affects DeVeaux’s employment status.
Any employment-related decisions would generally be handled separately by the educational institution involved.
What Comes Next?
The investigation has now entered the court process, where prosecutors and defense attorneys will present their respective arguments before a judge.
Authorities maintain that the arrest resulted from a lawful traffic stop that escalated during the encounter. The defense will have the opportunity to respond to every allegation filed.
Until the judicial process concludes, the charges remain accusations rather than established findings.
The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of complying with traffic laws, maintaining a valid driver’s license, and cooperating with lawful instructions during roadside encounters. As legal proceedings continue, additional details may emerge through official court filings and future hearings, providing greater clarity regarding the events surrounding the Interstate 4 traffic stop.
