A seven-day undercover operation in Florida led to 281 arrests, including 17 theme park employees, authorities said. The investigation focused on people accused of targeting children for sexual abuse, prostitution-related offenses, and human trafficking.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the operation, called “Polk Around and Find Out II.” Sheriff Grady Judd described it as the largest undercover effort the department has conducted.
Of the arrests, 239 involved allegations such as soliciting prostitution, offering to engage in prostitution, or helping transport or support people involved in prostitution. Another 31 suspects were arrested in connection with alleged child sex offenses.
Thirteen of the theme park employees worked for Disney and four for Universal Studios. Seven of the 17 were accused of child sex crimes. One suspect was a former Walt Disney World character performer, authorities said.
The sheriff’s office identified that suspect as 24-year-old Collin Klaco, of Clermont. Investigators said he communicated online with an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy. Klaco allegedly discussed sexual activity in a public family restroom, then drove to the undercover location. Detectives said he brought a backpack containing diapers and wipes.
Judd said Klaco wanted to put diapers on children and wear them himself. Authorities charged him with traveling to meet a minor, soliciting a guardian online, using a two-way communications device to commit a felony, and attempted lewd or lascivious battery of a minor.
Judd said the Disney employees arrested in the operation had been fired. He also warned that online predators try to groom and abuse children, adding that their messages are disturbing even to experienced investigators.
Among those arrested was 40-year-old Eric Raymond, an Orange County deputy sheriff who also worked as a school resource deputy at Independence Elementary School in Horizon West. Investigators said Raymond responded to an online ad posted by an undercover detective and agreed to pay $110 for unprotected sex during a brief visit. He told detectives he was married.
Raymond was charged with soliciting a prostitute. Judd said he should have known better and described his alleged conduct as showing moral turpitude.
Judd said prostitution can enable human trafficking and exploitation. He said the operation aimed to identify victims, connect them with help, and arrest people who contribute to or profit from that exploitation.
Authorities said 32 undocumented immigrants from nine countries were arrested, and 16 suspects were transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Another 32 people faced drug possession charges involving substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.
In total, suspects were charged with 198 felonies and 290 misdemeanors. Authorities also said the group had a combined history of 358 prior felony charges and 440 prior misdemeanor charges. Investigators identified 11 human trafficking victims during the operation.
