Seventeen employees of Disney World and Universal Studios were among 281 people arrested in a seven-day operation in Polk County, Florida, targeting suspected child sex offenders and human trafficking, according to the county sheriff’s office, cited by CBS News.
At a news conference on Friday, Sheriff Grady Judd said the operation focused on suspects who allegedly traveled to meet children for sexual activity. Police said 31 people were arrested after traveling to the county in an attempt to have sex with a child. Thirteen of the suspects worked for Disney and four for Universal Studios.
Authorities said 32 of those arrested were undocumented immigrants, and 16 were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Officers also found firearms in the possession of 24 suspects.
Among those arrested was a coach with the Florida-based Davenport Titans, who police said had contact with children aged 11 to 14 and allegedly traveled to meet a 14-year-old girl. Another suspect was a Navy service member.
Police also said a former Disney employee, who had worked portraying Mickey Mouse, had a diaper fetish and was found with two backpacks full of diapers. The sheriff’s office said Disney cooperated with the investigation and dismissed the employees involved.
Sources: Folha Mundo.