A seven-day undercover operation in Central Florida has resulted in 281 arrests and 488 criminal charges, as authorities targeted suspected child sexual predators, prostitution-related offenses and human trafficking. Eleven potential trafficking victims were also identified.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the results on October 30, describing the investigation as the largest undercover operation in the agency’s history.
The operation, named “Polk Around and Find Out II,” involved multiple law enforcement agencies working alongside social service organizations.
Among those arrested were individuals associated with Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, a youth football coach, an active-duty Navy service member and a law enforcement officer.
Disney and Universal Employees Among Those Arrested
According to investigators, 17 suspects had employment connections to major Central Florida theme parks, including 13 associated with Disney and four with Universal.
Seven of the theme park workers were arrested in the investigation targeting suspected child sexual predators.
Authorities also identified a former Disney employee who reportedly portrayed Mickey Mouse and was accused of attempting to arrange a sexual encounter involving a minor.
The suspect allegedly communicated with an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy before traveling to an arranged meeting location.
Investigators said they discovered backpacks containing diapers and other items when the suspect arrived.
The allegations have not been established in court.
Sheriff Grady Judd said the investigation demonstrated the importance of monitoring children’s online interactions and remaining aware of the adults who have access to them.
The operation resulted in 239 arrests related to prostitution, 31 connected to investigations involving suspected child sexual predators and 11 additional arrests.
Authorities filed 488 criminal charges, including 198 felonies and 290 misdemeanors.
Eleven Potential Human Trafficking Victims Identified
One of the operation’s significant findings was the identification of 11 potential human trafficking victims.
Social service organizations worked alongside investigators to screen individuals for signs of exploitation and provide access to support services.
The nonprofit organization One More Child reported engaging with 93 people during the investigation, with 18 accepting assistance.
Officials also reported seizing 24 firearms and filing drug possession charges against 32 suspects.
Only 40 of the 281 people arrested were Polk County residents, according to investigators. Others had traveled from different parts of Florida and beyond.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joined Sheriff Judd in announcing the results and pledged to pursue criminal prosecutions against those accused of exploiting children.
The investigation involved local, state and federal agencies, including support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement partners.
Authorities emphasized that the operation was designed both to identify suspected offenders and to assist people potentially subjected to human trafficking.
The criminal cases will now proceed through the justice system. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
