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3h ago

Florida Undercover Sting Nets 281 Arrests Including 17 Theme‑Park Workers

Officials announced hundreds of new felony charges and said prosecutions and immigration reviews are now being prepared.

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A weeklong undercover operation called “Polk Around & Find Out II” led to 281 arrests in Polk County, including 17 people who worked at theme parks, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office said Friday. The operation targeted child predators and human trafficking and resulted in 488 new charges, including 198 felonies. (Attorney General's Office)
A weeklong undercover operation called “Polk Around & Find Out II” led to 281 arrests in Polk County, including 17 people who worked at theme parks, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office said Friday. (Polk County Sherif's Office)
Some of the alleged child sexual predators arrested in Operation Polk Around & Find Out II, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)

Overview

  • Law enforcement ran a weeklong multi‑agency sting called “Polk Around & Find Out II” that ended with 281 arrests and 488 new charges, including 198 felonies.
  • Officials said on Friday that the operation combined a traveler‑to‑meet‑minor sting and a trafficking/prostitution sting and identified about 31 people who traveled to meet children for sex.
  • Seventeen people who reported working at Central Florida theme parks were arrested and employers have terminated implicated employees; one suspect was publicly identified as a former Mickey Mouse performer.
  • Investigators screened those encountered for exploitation, identified 11 possible human‑trafficking victims who were offered services, and made 239 prostitution‑related arrests.
  • Federal partners interviewed dozens of foreign‑born arrestees and placed immigration detainers on many, and prosecutors said they will review records and file formal charges and court dates in the coming days.