According to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, a massive undercover operation in Central Florida resulted in 281 arrests, including 17 employees connected to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, as authorities investigated suspected human trafficking, prostitution-related offenses and individuals accused of attempting to sexually exploit children.
The seven-day operation, called “Polk Around and Find Out II,” was led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies.
THE WORD:
- 281 people arrested during the operation.
- 13 Disney employees and 4 Universal employees arrested.
- 31 suspects arrested in the child predator investigation.
- 239 arrests related to prostitution offenses.
- 11 potential human trafficking victims identified.
- 32 suspects were undocumented immigrants; 16 transferred to ICE.
- 24 suspects brought firearms; 9 were on probation.
According to Sheriff Grady Judd, the operation involved undercover investigators posing as individuals seeking to purchase sex, as well as efforts to identify adults attempting to exploit children.
The arrests involving Disney and Universal employees drew additional attention because of their connections to two of Florida’s most recognizable theme park destinations.
Sheriff Judd confirmed that Disney cooperated with investigators and that the Disney employees involved in the operation had been terminated.
“These are people that were face-to-face with our children in the different disciplines inside these two organizations.” said Judd when speaking on both Disney and Universal employees.
Other individuals arrested included a youth football coach, an active-duty Navy sailor and an Orange County sheriff’s deputy.
Authorities have not indicated that all 17 theme park employees were arrested on human trafficking charges. They emphasized that the arrests involved different alleged offenses and that not every person arrested was accused of human trafficking or child exploitation.
The investigation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify suspected traffickers, protect potential victims and hold individuals accused of exploiting others accountable.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
