POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA — A massive seven-day undercover operation in Central Florida has resulted in 281 arrests, exposing an alarming collection of suspected child predators, prostitution offenses, and possible human trafficking activity. Among those arrested were employees of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, an Orange County sheriff’s deputy, a youth football coach, and an active-duty member of the United States Navy.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the results on October 30, 2026, alongside Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and representatives from multiple state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The investigation, named Operation Polk Around and Find Out II, was described by Judd as the largest undercover operation ever conducted by his department.
Authorities reported 488 new criminal charges, including 198 felonies.
Hundreds Arrested in Two Simultaneous Operations
Investigators conducted two separate undercover investigations during the seven-day operation.
One targeted individuals attempting to arrange sexual encounters with children. The other focused on prostitution, suspected human trafficking, and individuals purchasing commercial sex.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 239 arrests involved prostitution-related offenses, while 31 individuals were identified as suspected child sexual predators. Eleven additional arrests involved other offenses.
The child predator investigation involved undercover detectives communicating with suspects who believed they were arranging sexual encounters with minors.
Investigators said suspects traveled to designated meeting locations expecting to encounter children, only to find law enforcement waiting for them.
Authorities emphasized that these investigations are intended to intercept suspected offenders before actual children are victimized.
The scale of the operation raised serious concerns about how frequently individuals are willing to pursue sexual contact with minors after communicating with someone they believe is a child.
Disney and Universal Employees Among Those Arrested
One of the most disturbing revelations involved employees of Central Florida’s major theme parks.
Sheriff Judd reported that 17 people arrested during the operation worked at Walt Disney World or Universal Studios.
Thirteen were identified as Disney employees, while four worked for Universal.
Authorities said seven of the theme park workers were among those accused of offenses involving children.
The remaining theme park employees were arrested on other allegations associated with the operation. Being included among the 17 does not mean every employee was accused of targeting a child.
Among the suspects highlighted by investigators was Adam Snyder, 24, of Champions Gate, who reportedly worked in Disney’s Toy Story Land.
Detectives said Snyder traveled to meet someone he believed was a minor for sexual activity. Investigators reported finding a Disney identification card and part of his work uniform inside his vehicle.
Another suspect, Collin Klaco, 24, of Clermont, was identified as a former Disney employee who had portrayed Mickey Mouse.
According to investigators, Klaco communicated with an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy and allegedly discussed sexual activity involving the child.
The allegations are especially troubling given the family-oriented environments associated with major theme parks.
Sheriff Judd said Disney cooperated with investigators and reported that the employees identified during the operation had been terminated.
There is no evidence presented by authorities that Disney or Universal management participated in the alleged criminal activity.
Sheriff’s Deputy and Youth Football Coach Arrested
The operation also resulted in the arrest of Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Raymond, 40.
Raymond was accused of arranging to pay for sex during the undercover investigation.
According to local reporting, Raymond had served as a school resource deputy at Independence Elementary School and was in the process of transferring to uniform patrol.
His arrest raises obvious questions about professional conduct and accountability within law enforcement, particularly when an officer has worked in a school environment.
Authorities have not alleged that Raymond committed a sexual offense against a child in connection with this operation.
Another suspect, Rashion Crayton, 31, of Bartow, was identified as a youth football coach associated with the Davenport Titans.
Investigators alleged that Crayton communicated with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl and subsequently traveled to an arranged meeting location.
According to the sheriff’s office, he arrived with items investigators believed were intended for sexual activity.
Crayton faces serious criminal allegations, including traveling to meet a minor for unlawful sexual activity and attempted lewd or lascivious battery.
The arrest of an individual entrusted with coaching young athletes underscores the importance of background screening, supervision, and vigilance in youth organizations.
Human Trafficking Victims Identified
Beyond the arrests, investigators reported identifying 11 possible human trafficking victims during the operation.
Authorities worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families and the nonprofit organization One More Child to screen individuals encountered during the prostitution investigation.
The organization provided outreach and assistance to people who might have been subjected to coercion or exploitation.
Representatives said they contacted 93 individuals during the operation, and 18 had agreed to receive services at the time of the announcement.
Human trafficking investigations frequently involve people whose circumstances are far more complicated than an initial arrest report may suggest.
Some individuals involved in commercial sex may be acting under threats, manipulation, financial control, or other forms of exploitation.
Identifying victims and connecting them with support services remains an important part of determining who is responsible for criminal exploitation.
Firearms, Drugs, and Immigration Violations
Investigators also reported additional criminal concerns uncovered during the operation.
Authorities said 24 suspects brought firearms to undercover meeting locations.
Another 32 individuals were charged with drug possession involving substances that reportedly included methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.
Officials also said nine arrested individuals were on probation and nine had previously been caught in similar sheriff’s office operations.
The involvement of repeat suspects raises questions about whether existing penalties and supervision measures are sufficient to discourage additional offenses.
Immigration enforcement also became part of the investigation.
Authorities reported that 32 arrested individuals were unlawfully present in the United States, according to immigration officials.
Sixteen had reportedly been transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody by the time officials announced the operation.
Federal immigration officers interviewed dozens of foreign-born individuals encountered during the investigation and placed immigration detainers on more than 30 people.
The criminal allegations and any immigration proceedings will be handled through their respective legal processes.
Florida Officials Demand Stronger Accountability
Attorney General James Uthmeier praised the coordinated law enforcement effort and indicated that prosecutors would examine the defendants’ criminal histories when determining appropriate charges and penalties.
Officials expressed particular concern about individuals who had previously been arrested or were already under criminal supervision.
Florida law treats traveling to meet a minor for unlawful sexual activity as a serious felony offense that can carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years for the underlying second-degree felony.
Additional charges, prior convictions, and individual circumstances can affect the penalties defendants ultimately face.
Sheriff Judd also urged parents to remain aware of their children’s online activities.
Undercover investigators routinely encounter suspects using digital platforms to initiate conversations, build trust, and arrange meetings with people they believe are minors.
Authorities argue that proactive investigations can stop suspected offenders before an actual child becomes a victim.
A Disturbing Reminder About Trust and Public Safety
Operation Polk Around and Find Out II is significant not simply because of the number of arrests, but because of the positions some suspects occupied in everyday society.
Theme park employees, a sheriff’s deputy, a youth sports coach, and a military service member were among those identified by investigators.
These are positions that often carry public trust, access to families, or responsibilities involving community safety.
That trust makes the allegations particularly serious, even as each defendant remains entitled to have the evidence examined in court.
The investigation also demonstrates the difference between allegations involving children, prostitution-related offenses, and human trafficking. Although all were addressed during the same operation, they are not interchangeable crimes, and the evidence against individual defendants must be evaluated separately.
The arrests are only the beginning of the legal process. Prosecutors must still establish the charges in court, and the outcomes of the individual cases remain to be determined.
For the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the operation represents a major coordinated enforcement effort.
For families across Florida, it is another reminder that individuals suspected of dangerous behavior may occupy seemingly ordinary positions in their communities.
And for the 281 people arrested, the next chapter will unfold in courtrooms, where investigators’ allegations will face judicial scrutiny and prosecutors will be required to prove their cases.
