A major undercover operation in Central Florida has resulted in 281 arrests, including employees from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, a law enforcement deputy and a youth football coach. Authorities say the seven-day investigation targeted suspected human trafficking activities, prostitution-related offenses and adults attempting to engage in unlawful sexual activity with minors.
The operation, named “Polk Around & Find Out II,” was conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office alongside multiple law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Grady Judd described it as the largest undercover operation in the department’s history.
According to investigators, the operation resulted in 488 new criminal charges, including 198 felonies and 290 misdemeanors.
Theme Park Employees Among Those Arrested
One of the most concerning details involved 17 people who reportedly worked at Central Florida theme parks. Authorities identified 13 as Disney employees and four as Universal Studios employees.
Among the individuals arrested was a former Walt Disney World employee who had previously portrayed Mickey Mouse. Investigators said he traveled to an undercover location after communicating with a detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy.
Another Disney employee reportedly arrived wearing or carrying items connected to his workplace. Authorities said several suspects had discussed meeting minors during online communications with undercover detectives.
Sheriff Judd confirmed that Disney had dismissed the employees involved in the operation. Universal also reportedly terminated the workers who were arrested.
Youth Coach And Law Enforcement Deputy Also Arrested
The investigation also involved individuals whose professional responsibilities placed them in positions of public trust.
One suspect was identified as a youth football coach who worked with children between the ages of 11 and 14. Authorities alleged that he traveled to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
An Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy, identified as Eric Raymond, was also among those arrested. Investigators said he arrived at an undercover location intending to arrange a paid sexual encounter.
An active-duty Navy service member was another individual identified during the operation.
All individuals arrested are facing allegations, and the charges will be addressed through the legal process.
11 Potential Human Trafficking Victims Identified
Beyond the arrests, authorities emphasized that identifying and assisting potential victims was an important part of the investigation.
Of the individuals encountered during the prostitution-related operation, 122 were referred for screening with assistance from social service organizations. That process helped identify 11 people believed to be victims of human trafficking.
Support services and resources were offered to those individuals.
Officials said the operation involved a coordinated effort between local, state and federal agencies, as well as organizations working to support vulnerable people.
Authorities Promise Further Action
The investigation resulted in 281 arrests involving 239 prostitution-related cases, 31 suspected child predators and 11 additional arrests, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities also reported that those arrested had a combined history of 798 previous criminal charges, including 358 felonies.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office would pursue the cases and seek appropriate penalties against those charged.
Sheriff Judd also urged parents to remain involved in their children’s online activities and pay attention to the adults who have access to them.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the investigation has raised serious questions about child safety, online interactions and the responsibility of people working in positions of trust.
For now, authorities say their priority remains protecting potential victims, supporting those identified during the operation and ensuring that the allegations against those arrested are handled through the courts.