Florida police arrest 281 in human trafficking and child exploitation sting

Polk County human trafficking child exploitation Disney World Universal Studios

A seven-day multi-agency undercover operation in Polk County, Florida, resulted in the arrest of 281 individuals suspected of involvement in human trafficking, prostitution, and crimes against minors. The investigation, titled “Polk Around and Find Out II,” identified 11 potential victims of human trafficking.

Among those detained are 17 employees from local theme parks, including 13 from Disney World and four from Universal Studios. Authorities noted that seven of these employees are suspected of crimes specifically related to child sexual exploitation. Disney has reportedly cooperated with the investigation and dismissed the involved staff.

Other notable arrests include a head coach for the Davenport Titans youth football team and a member of the U.S. Navy. Additionally, an Orange County school resource officer was arrested for allegedly attempting to engage in a sexual transaction with an undercover detective.

Law enforcement recorded 488 criminal charges, with 198 classified as felonies. The operation also identified 32 undocumented immigrants, 16 of whom were transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Police reported that 24 suspects were in possession of firearms during their meetings.

Entities

Bahia · Civil Police · Disney · Disney World · Espírito Santo · Florida · Grady Judd · Itanhém · Minas Gerais · Polk County Sheriff's Office · Universal Studios

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] 17 employees from theme parks were among those arrested, including 13 from Disney and 4 from Universal Studios. vtvnews.com.br · nahoradanoticia.com.br · atarde.com.br · www.epochtimes.com · tribunadonorte.com.br · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] A total of 488 criminal charges were recorded during the operation. vtvnews.com.br · nahoradanoticia.com.br · www.epochtimes.com
[● 3 SOURCES] 198 of the charges are classified as felonies. vtvnews.com.br · nahoradanoticia.com.br · www.epochtimes.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Authorities identified 11 potential victims of human trafficking. vtvnews.com.br · www.epochtimes.com
[● 5 SOURCES] 32 suspects were undocumented immigrants, and 16 were transferred to ICE custody. atarde.com.br · www.epochtimes.com · tribunadonorte.com.br · vozdabahia.com.br · campos24horas.com.br
[● 8 SOURCES] 281 people were arrested during the seven-day operation in Polk County, Florida. vtvnews.com.br · nahoradanoticia.com.br · atarde.com.br · www.epochtimes.com · tribunadonorte.com.br · +3 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Seven of the 17 theme park employees are suspected of crimes related to child sexual exploitation. vtvnews.com.br · nahoradanoticia.com.br · atarde.com.br · www.epochtimes.com · tribunadonorte.com.br · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] 24 suspects brought firearms to their meetings. www.epochtimes.com · tribunadonorte.com.br · vozdabahia.com.br