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13 Disney World Employees Among 281 Suspects Arrested
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the joint operation targeted individuals accused of traveling to meet children for unlawful sexual activity, as well as those allegedly involved in human trafficking. Sheriff Grady Judd said 281 suspects were arrested over the course of seven days, including 13 Disney employees and four Universal Studios employees. Authorities also revealed that 31 of the suspects traveled into Polk County intending to engage in sexual activity with a child.
During a Friday press conference, Judd described the operation as an effort to identify and apprehend people targeting children. “It is extremely disturbing when we encounter nasty child predators like these who are very eager to have sex with children. This is why we conduct these types of undercover operations,” he said.
Sheriff Reveals More Details About Those Arrested
Judd also shared additional details about those arrested, revealing that 32 suspects were undocumented immigrants, with 16 transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement so far. Authorities also found that 24 suspects allegedly brought firearms to their planned meetings, while nine were reportedly on probation at the time of their arrests.
Among the individuals highlighted by the sheriff was the head coach of the Florida youth basketball team, Davenport Titans, who reportedly coaches children between the ages of 11 and 14. According to Judd, the coach believed he was traveling to meet a 14-year-old girl. Another suspect was reportedly on active duty with the U.S. Navy.
Former Mickey Mouse Performer Among Those Arrested, Sheriff Says
Judd also described the arrest of a former Disney employee who previously worked as a Mickey Mouse character performer. The sheriff alleged that the individual had a diaper fetish and was found with two backpacks full of diapers. In another case involving a Disney employee, authorities said the suspect had his work uniform inside his vehicle when he allegedly traveled to meet an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old boy.
As for the employees connected to the theme parks, Judd said Disney cooperated with investigators and confirmed that the company had fired all of the employees involved. The arrests have brought renewed attention to the operation, with authorities emphasizing their efforts to identify individuals accused of targeting children.
