Matthew Wells, a coach at Advance Prep Academy in Auburndale, was arrested for marijuana possession on September 15, 2025.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested him with two bags of marijuana in his vehicle during a proactive patrol at Westwood Park in Winter Haven.
The laws around possessing marijuana are changing, but it’s essential to understand where things stand. The possession of marijuana is significant to the law.
There are strict rules on where you can buy and use it for adults who can possess a small amount of marijuana for personal use in many states.
However, possessing any amount of marijuana is still against the law in some areas and can lead to fines or even jail time.
Prep Academy Coach Arrested on Drug Charges in Winter Haven Park
A local prep academy coach was arrested on Monday afternoon after deputies discovered marijuana in his car during a patrol of a Winter Haven park.
The incident occurred on September 15, 2025, at Westwood Park.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies approached a parked vehicle and detected a strong odor of marijuana.
The sole occupant was identified as 34-year-old Matthew Wells of Auburndale. He was in the driver’s seat of a white Lincoln sedan parked with all windows down.
Wells stated that he is a coach at Advance Prep Academy in Auburndale, and initially presented a Florida ID card instead of a driver’s license, denying that he had driven the vehicle.
He admitted to a prior arrest for marijuana possession.
Deputies questioned him and confirmed he had marijuana, which he handed over in a small bag. Moreover, he produced a larger bag of marijuana from inside a trash bag located in the front passenger seat.
Wells admitted the marijuana belonged to him and his wife. He mentioned that he had recently been released from jail after serving a five-month sentence and wanted to smoke.
However, he did not possess a medical marijuana card.
Wells was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. He faces misdemeanor charges for possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This is a perfect example of someone who clearly hasn’t learned from past mistakes. If you’re going to break the law in Polk County, expect to be held accountable—again and again if necessary.
Grady Judd, Sheriff
