Former Mickey Mouse Performer Among 281 Arrested in Florida Child Predator Sting Involving Disney World Employees

A massive undercover operation in Florida has resulted in 281 arrests, including 17 people who reportedly worked at major theme parks, with 13 of them connected to Walt Disney World.

The seven-day investigation, known as “Polk Around and Find Out II,” was led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and focused on suspected human trafficking, prostitution-related offenses and adults allegedly seeking 𝘴єxual contact with children.

Authorities announced the arrests on October 30, describing the operation as the largest undercover investigation of its kind in the department’s history.

Among the most disturbing cases was the arrest of a former Walt Disney World performer who had previously portrayed Mickey Mouse.

Former Disney performer accused of trying to meet a child

Collin Klaco, 24, of Clermont, Florida, was arrested after allegedly communicating online with an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy.

According to investigators, Klaco traveled to an arranged meeting location believing he would meet the child. Authorities said he arrived with two backpacks containing diapers, some bearing Disney branding.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Klaco had previously worked as a Mickey Mouse character at Disney World, although he told detectives he was no longer employed there when he was arrested.

He faces charges including traveling to meet a minor, using a computer to solicit a guardian, using a communication device to commit a felony and attempted lewd or lascivious battery on a minor.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Disney employees among those arrested

Investigators said 17 suspects told them they worked at local theme parks or resorts. Thirteen were identified as Disney employees, while four reportedly worked for Universal Orlando.

Seven of the theme park workers were arrested in connection with the child-related investigation, according to authorities.

Sheriff Judd said Disney informed investigators that it had fired the 13 employees arrested in the operation.

The investigation also led to the arrest of a youth football coach accused of attempting to arrange a 𝘴єxual encounter with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Another suspect was an active-duty Navy servicemember.

Hundreds of arrests during seven-day operation

The overall operation resulted in 281 arrests, including:

• 239 arrests involving prostitution-related offenses.
• 31 arrests connected to alleged child 𝘴єxual predator activity.
• 11 additional arrests involving other offenses.

Authorities reported filing 198 felony charges and 290 misdemeanor charges. Investigators also identified 11 people believed to be victims of human trafficking and said they were offered assistance.

The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and targeted suspected offenders who traveled to meet children or participated in human trafficking and commercial 𝘴єx activities.

Sheriff Judd emphasized the importance of parents monitoring children’s online activity and being aware of the adults interacting with them.

The arrests have raised serious concerns about child safety and the people who may have access to young visitors and families at some of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations.

Authorities continue to investigate the cases. Those arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Source:  DAILYMAIL