17 Disney, Universal employees among 281 arrested in major Florida sex crime sting

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - FLORIDA — Seventeen employees of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios were among 281 people arrested during a seven-day undercover operation targeting suspected child sexual predators, prostitution-related offenses and human trafficking in Florida, authorities announced Friday.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the operation, dubbed “Polk Around & Find Out II,” resulted in 488 criminal charges, including 198 felonies and 290 misdemeanors.

Of those arrested, 13 were Disney employees and four worked at Universal Studios, according to the sheriff.

The operation involved two simultaneous investigations. One targeted individuals attempting to meet minors for unlawful sexual activity, resulting in 32 arrests, while the second led to 249 arrests linked to prostitution and suspected human trafficking.

Authorities said 31 suspects had traveled to Polk County intending to engage in sexual activity with minors, including seven individuals employed at local theme parks.

Among those arrested was a youth football and cheerleading coach who allegedly believed he was meeting a 14-year-old girl. Another suspect, a Disney employee, reportedly arrived to meet an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old boy.

An Orange County school resource deputy, identified as Eric Raymond, was also arrested after allegedly attempting to arrange sexual services in exchange for money.

Investigators seized 24 firearms and filed drug possession charges against 32 suspects involving substances including methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl.

Authorities said the suspects had a combined history of 798 previous criminal charges, including 358 felonies, while nine were on probation at the time of their arrests.

Of the 281 suspects, only 40 were Polk County residents, with others traveling from elsewhere in Florida, 20 other US states and 18 foreign countries.

The sheriff's office also reported that 32 suspects were undocumented immigrants, 16 of whom had been transferred to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

As part of the operation, investigators worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families and nonprofit organization One More Child to identify potential trafficking victims.

Officials said 11 human trafficking victims were identified and offered support services, including crisis assistance and direct care.

Judd condemned the alleged offenses and emphasized the importance of protecting children from online exploitation.

“These predators are out there, online, trying to groom and violate our children,” he said, urging parents to monitor their children's online activities and remain aware of the adults interacting with them.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also pledged to pursue strict penalties against those charged.

“Predators who target Florida’s children will be hunted down and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Uthmeier said.

According to Judd, Disney cooperated with investigators and terminated the employment of staff members arrested during the operation. The sheriff also said Universal had dismissed employees implicated in the investigation.

The multi-agency operation involved local police departments, county sheriff's offices, state prosecutors and federal agencies, including the US Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Under Florida law, traveling to meet a minor for unlawful sexual activity is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.