Nearly 300 Arrested in Florida Sex Sting, Including Disney Performer
The operation, dubbed 'Polk Around and Find Out II,' resulted in 281 arrests, including child predators and human traffickers.
A large-scale sex sting operation in Polk County, Florida, has led to the arrest of 281 individuals, including a former Disney World Mickey Mouse impersonator, employees from Universal Studios, a youth football coach, and a U.S. Navy sailor.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the results of the weeklong operation, named "Polk Around and Find Out II," on Friday. The operation targeted individuals seeking to exploit children and engage in illicit activities, resulting in the rescue of 11 victims of human trafficking. A significant portion of the arrests were related to prostitution.
Among those arrested was Colin Klaco, 24, a former Mickey Mouse impersonator at Disney World. Sheriff Judd described Klaco as a particularly disturbing case, noting the man's intention to engage in sexual acts with a minor and his possession of diapers and other items for that purpose. Another individual, Adam Snyder, employed at Disney's Roundup Rodeo restaurant, was apprehended while still in uniform. Rashiod Crayton, a 31-year-old youth football coach, was identified by the sheriff as the "worst of the worst" due to graphic communications with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl.
The operation also led to the arrest of Dang Thai, a U.S. Navy machinist, who allegedly misrepresented his age to undercover agents. Four Universal Studios employees and an Orange County deputy were also among the arrested. In total, 117 individuals were charged with soliciting prostitution, and 122 were arrested for committing prostitution.
Authorities reported that 32 of the arrested individuals were in the country illegally, hailing from nine different countries. The sheriff's office stated that 22 of these individuals were illegally receiving public assistance totaling over $100,000 annually.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the operation's success in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the sex trade and human trafficking. He confirmed that any employees of Disney working at the time of their arrest had been terminated. The sheriff also noted that many of the arrested individuals had prior offenses or were married, adding a touch of dark humor to the press conference.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office stated that the 11 identified trafficking victims were offered services and support. This operation marks the largest sting of its kind in Polk County's history.