Orlando-area Disney workers among 281 arrested in Polk County human trafficking sting

A large undercover operation in Polk County resulted in the arrest of 281 individuals facing nearly 500 new criminal charges related to human trafficking and online child predators, according to FOX 35 Orlando.

The operation, called Polk Around & Find Out II, involved two simultaneous stings over seven days. One targeted adults attempting to meet minors for sexual activity, resulting in 32 arrests. The other focused on human trafficking networks, leading to 249 arrests including accused sex buyers and those involved in prostitution.

Among those arrested were 17 theme park workers from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, including seven accused child sex predators, FOX 35 Orlando reported. The suspects face a combined total of 198 felony and 290 misdemeanor charges.

Authorities noted that only 40 of the arrested individuals live in Polk County; the rest traveled from across Florida, 20 other states, and 18 foreign countries. Immigration officials confirmed that 32 arrested are undocumented immigrants from nine countries.

Detectives also seized 24 firearms and filed drug possession charges against 32 suspects for substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office highlighted that some suspects have extensive criminal histories, including prior felonies and probation for serious offenses.

This operation impacts the Orlando area as it involved local Disney employees and highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts against human trafficking and exploitation in Central Florida.