17 Disney and Universal Employees Arrested in Florida Sting

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd explained that authorities' effort targeted people who traveled to the Florida county seeking unlawful sexual encounters with minors. Among the 31 arrested were 13 Disney employees and four Universal Studios employees. Disney said it had fired the employees identified as its workers in the operation.

One suspect, a former Disney employee who had worn a Mickey Mouse character costume, allegedly arrived intending to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old boy. Authorities said he had backpacks containing diapers and wipes. Another suspect, a coach with the Davenport Titans youth football team, allegedly expected to encounter a 14-year-old girl. The team serves children ages 11 to 14.

Judd said 24 suspects arrived armed, and nine were on probation. A U.S. Navy sailor was also among those arrested. The sheriff described the operation as necessary to confront people seeking sex with children. One report said Judd had made 281 arrests in sex stings this year.