A former Mickey Mouse performer and other Disney workers face child sex allegations following a Florida sting that led to 281 arrests, authorities announced Friday.
The seven-day operation, “Polk Around & Find Out II,” led to arrests of 13 suspects who worked for Disney and four for Universal, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a news conference, CBS12 reported.
Seven theme park suspects face child sex allegations, according to the sheriff’s release. The employment descriptions include current and former workers.
Disney told investigators it fired employees arrested in the operation, Judd said.
Disney uniform and badge found
Adam Snyder, 24, of Champions Gate, allegedly exchanged sexual messages with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy and traveled to meet him. Investigators found part of his Disney uniform and his company badge in his vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
Collin Klaco, 24, of Clermont, allegedly discussed sexual activity with a detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy. Detectives found diapers and wipes in a backpack he carried into the meeting location. Klaco said he previously dressed as Mickey Mouse at Disney World, according to the release.
Both face charges including traveling to meet a minor and attempted lewd or lascivious battery, the sheriff’s office said.
“It is extremely disturbing when we encounter nasty child predators like these who are very eager to have sex with children,” Judd said in the release.
281 arrests across the operation
The overall arrest total includes alleged sex buyers and people accused of prostitution, along with the 31 child sex suspects.
The defendants face 488 new charges, including 198 felonies. Authorities also reported 32 illegal aliens among those arrested, with 16 transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CBS12 reported.
Detectives and service organizations screened people arrested on prostitution charges for exploitation. Authorities identified 11 possible trafficking victims, and One More Child said 18 people had agreed to receive services, according to CBS12.
The sheriff’s office also arrested a youth football coach and an Orange County deputy.
Prior Disney arrests
The Dallas Express previously reported on a 2022 Polk County sting that led to 108 arrests and included Disney workers. That operation also used undercover online contacts to investigate alleged child exploitation and prostitution.
All defendants in the latest operation are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Provided by Dallas Express
