ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. -- The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office announced it has vetted more than 150 carnival workers at the St. Lucie County fair, set to begin Friday.
Detectives made sure anyone with an outstanding warrant or sex offender status was removed from the fairgrounds before floods of visitors arrive.
“We get a list of all the employees out at the fairgrounds when the fair comes to town. Our detectives vet all of those people,” said St. Lucie County Chief Deputy Garry Wilson.
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the 10-day fair.
General Manager Jeanne Keaton says there are also hundreds of children who attend with various organizations volunteering, and working alongside livestock.
After the thorough vetting process, detectives made two arrests and removed one sex offender attempting to work at the fair.
Of the two men arrested, one had an outstanding warrant. Another man was defensive with deputies during the ID check.
Earlier this week, Quentin Lamar Jones, who traveled into St. Lucie County to work at the fair, was stabbed to death, according to deputies.
After his death, detectives found he was a registered sex offender. He had just arrived in town and the vetting process hadn’t started.
“He wouldn’t have made it past a background check,” Keaton said.
The man accused of killing him, David Davis, was also trying to work at the fair. He is currently in jail.
With those checks complete, carnival workers could work full speed getting preparations done for the fair.
Thursday night, crews were seen finishing up the meticulous work, including checking every light bulb, stocking prizes, and moving in livestock.
“Wherever you go on the fairgrounds, you’re going to find some fun entertainment,” said Keaton.
Having the sheriff’s office help with the background checks and security during the fair helps Keaton know the fair will be safe and fun for everyone in attendance.
“We’re so grateful for the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department. They’re so conscientious, they have our back.”
The fair opens at 4 p.m. Friday.
