Thirteen Walt Disney World employees were among 281 people arrested during a massive undercover operation in Central Florida targeting prostitution, human trafficking, and suspected child predators, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The seven-day investigation, dubbed “Polk Around and Find Out II,” was conducted under Sheriff Grady Judd and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The operation resulted in the largest number of arrests ever recorded in a single undercover investigation by the department.
According to WFLA, 13 Disney employees and four Universal Orlando employees were among those taken into custody, bringing the total number of theme park workers arrested to 17.
The involvement of Disney employees is particularly troubling given the company’s position as one of the world’s largest family entertainment businesses, although the arrests do not establish that any offenses occurred on Disney property.
Disney Employees Among Those Accused of Targeting Minors
Additional details released following the initial announcement identified several individuals with connections to Walt Disney World who were arrested on allegations involving minors.
According to WKMG News 6, Adam Snyder, 24, of ChampionsGate, allegedly communicated with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy before traveling to an arranged meeting location.
Investigators reported finding Snyder’s Disney identification badge and part of his work uniform inside his vehicle. Snyder reportedly told detectives he worked in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Another suspect, Alex Camacho, 25, of Kissimmee, allegedly exchanged sexually explicit messages with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl. Camacho reportedly identified himself as a Disney World food service employee.
Brandon Quispe, 27, of Davenport, also reportedly told investigators that he worked in Walt Disney World’s human resources department. Authorities accused Quispe of communicating with an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy.
Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A fourth suspect, Collin Klaco, 24, of Clermont, reportedly told investigators that he had previously worked as a Mickey Mouse character performer at Walt Disney World. Klaco was arrested after allegedly arranging to meet someone he believed was a minor.
These allegations involve individual suspects and do not establish wrongdoing by Disney itself. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Hundreds Arrested in Weeklong Investigation
The Disney-related arrests represent one part of a much larger investigation.
According to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, 239 arrests involved prostitution-related allegations, including soliciting, offering, or facilitating those activities.
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Another 31 arrests involved suspected child predators, while 11 additional arrests involved other offenses.
Investigators also identified 11 suspected human trafficking victims during the operation and offered them assistance through participating social service organizations.
The suspects included an Orange County sheriff’s deputy, a youth football coach, and an active-duty Navy sailor.
Questions Surround Disney’s Workforce
The arrests raise questions about Disney’s employee screening procedures and how the company responds when workers face serious criminal allegations.
Disney operates one of the world’s most recognizable family entertainment destinations, welcoming millions of guests annually, including children.
Rain on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. Showers and storms are forecast over Walt Disney World through at least Oct. 11. Credit: JTOcchialini / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The company has not been accused of participating in the alleged offenses. The investigation nevertheless places renewed attention on the conduct of individuals employed at Central Florida’s largest tourist attractions and the measures those businesses take to protect guests.
The criminal cases will now proceed through the judicial system.
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