Polk County deputies arrested 281 people in a weeklong undercover operation targeting human trafficking and child predators. Thirteen worked for Disney and four for Universal, the sheriff said.
A weeklong undercover operation in Central Florida led to 281 arrests, including 17 people who work at theme parks, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Thirteen of those arrested work for Disney, and four work for Universal Studios, WKMG News 6 reported Friday, Oct. 30.
All of the people arrested face allegations only. They have not been convicted, and the charges have not been proven in court.
What was Operation Polk Around and Find Out II?
A seven-day, joint-agency undercover operation targeting human trafficking and people accused of trying to harm children, according to the sheriff’s office. It was led by Polk County deputies with help from other agencies.
Sheriff Grady Judd called it “the single largest undercover operation we’ve ever done,” WKMG reported.
How many people were arrested in the Polk County sting?
281 in total, according to the sheriff’s office:
239 arrests related to prostitution charges
31 arrests related to alleged child sexual predator offenses
11 other arrests
Were Disney and Universal employees arrested?
Yes. The sheriff’s office said 13 Disney employees and 4 Universal Studios employees were among those arrested, WKMG reported. Authorities did not say which jobs they held or which charges each person faces.
Neither Disney nor Universal had commented in early reports on the arrests.
Who else was arrested in the sting?
A youth football coach, a U.S. Navy sailor and an Orange County sheriff’s deputy were also among those arrested, according to WTSP.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said his agency expects deputies to follow the laws they are sworn to uphold, WKMG reported.
Were any victims found?
Yes. Investigators identified 11 human trafficking victims, according to the sheriff’s office. Detectives and social service groups screened people to find out whether they were being trafficked or exploited, WTSP reported.
Who took part in the announcement?
Sheriff Judd was joined by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and a Homeland Security official, WTSP reported.
Judd said online prostitution “enables and empowers human traffickers,” according to WKMG.
Where is Polk County?
In Central Florida, between Tampa and Orlando. It sits just southwest of the Walt Disney World area, and many people who live there work at Orlando-area theme parks and resorts. Legoland Florida is also in Polk County, in Winter Haven.
How can you report human trafficking?
Call 911 in an emergency. You can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. Tips can be shared anonymously.
What are signs that someone may be trafficked?
Experts say warning signs can include someone who seems controlled by another person, doesn’t have their own ID or documents, or seems afraid to speak for themselves. If something seems wrong, trust your instincts and contact authorities instead of stepping in yourself.
How can parents help keep kids safe online?
Talk with kids about who they’re chatting with online, and keep devices in shared spaces when you can. Remind them never to share personal information or meet someone they only know from the internet, and to tell a trusted adult if anyone makes them uncomfortable.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
WKMG News 6 / ClickOrlando (Oct. 30, 2026), the operation name, arrest totals, theme park counts, victims and quotes from Grady Judd and John Mina
WTSP via Yahoo News, Hadia Moosvi (Oct. 30, 2026), the other occupations, victim screening and officials at the announcement
CBS12 (Oct. 30, 2026), the theme park employee count
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