Florida Woman Charged for Posing as Child Services Worker in Kidnapping Attempt

Nicole Terry Thomas allegedly called 911 to request a deputy's help in removing a child from a babysitter's home.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 56-year-old Florida woman named Nicole Terry Thomas has been accused of pretending to be a child protective services employee in an attempt to kidnap a 9-year-old boy from his babysitter's home. Thomas allegedly called 911 herself to request a deputy's assistance in removing the child, as well as three other children at the residence, claiming she represented the Department of Children and Families (DCF). However, authorities say Thomas never presented any proof of employment with DCF.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks posed by individuals who impersonate government officials, especially in sensitive situations involving children. It raises concerns about the potential for harm when someone exploits the authority of a child welfare agency to unlawfully interfere with family custody arrangements.

The details

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Thomas went to the Lakeland home of babysitter Nyasia Brooks and claimed she was there with the 9-year-old boy's biological mother to take the child. When Brooks refused to let the boy go, Thomas threatened to "remove all of the children from the home" and then called 911 herself, falsely stating she was a DCF case manager who needed law enforcement assistance. Authorities say the boy's mother, who has mental disabilities and does not have custody, believed Thomas could help her regain custody of the child.

  • On February 13, 2026, Thomas called 911 at 3:22 p.m. to claim she was a DCF employee needing help removing a child.
  • Thomas' arraignment is scheduled for March 24, 2026.

The players

Nicole Terry Thomas

A 56-year-old Florida resident who has been charged with four counts of attempted kidnapping, unarmed burglary, criminal action under the color of law, trespassing, and misuse of 911 for allegedly posing as a child protective services employee.

Nyasia Brooks

The babysitter at whose home Thomas allegedly tried to take the 9-year-old boy and three other children.

The 9-year-old boy

The child Thomas is accused of attempting to kidnap from the babysitter's home.

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What they’re saying

“In what was probably the only smart thing she said or did that afternoon, Nicole Thomas admitted to detectives that she should have known better.”

— Sheriff Grady Judd (Oxygen.com)

“She impersonated a government employee, threatened to take four children, and even called 911 to try to get a deputy to help her pull it off. I'd say she didn't clearly think that one through.”

— Sheriff Grady Judd (Oxygen.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 24, 2026 whether or not to allow Nicole Terry Thomas to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of verifying the credentials of anyone claiming to represent a government agency, especially when it comes to sensitive matters involving children. It also highlights the need for robust safeguards and oversight to prevent individuals from exploiting the authority of child welfare organizations for unlawful purposes.