Florida Sting Nets 281 in 'Polk Around and Find Out II', Including Theme Park Staff

Key points

• 281 people were arrested in the seven-day 'Polk Around and Find Out II' operation in Florida.
• The arrests led to 488 new charges, including 198 felonies.
• 17 suspects were employees of Disney and Universal theme parks, with 13 from Disney and 4 from Universal.
• 32 suspects were undocumented immigrants, 16 of whom have been transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• Nine suspects were on probation for prior offenses, and 24 brought firearms to the sting.
• Disney confirmed it fired the arrested employees after cooperating with law enforcement.

Background

This operation follows a broader trend of undercover stings targeting child predators and human trafficking in Florida. Earlier in 2026, a similar operation, 'Polk Around and Find Out,' was conducted, with some suspects in this latest sting having been caught in that earlier effort. The arrests highlight ongoing concerns about child safety and the involvement of individuals from various backgrounds, including theme park employees and undocumented immigrants, in such crimes.

How outlets are covering it

NBC 6 South Florida and CBS News both reported on the 281 arrests in the 'Polk Around and Find Out II' operation, but with different emphases. NBC 6 focused on the overall numbers and the involvement of various groups, including theme park employees and undocumented immigrants, while CBS News highlighted specific details about the suspects, such as a former Disney employee with a diaper fetish and a coach of a youth sports team. Both sources agreed on the severity of the crimes and the importance of the operation, but CBS News provided more granular details about individual suspects, whereas NBC 6 offered a broader overview of the operation's impact.

Why it matters

The 'Polk Around and Find Out II' operation underscores the ongoing challenges in combating child sexual predators and human trafficking in Florida. The involvement of theme park employees and the presence of firearms and drugs among suspects highlight the diverse and dangerous nature of these crimes. The arrests and subsequent charges aim to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable, while also raising awareness about the need for proactive measures to prevent such offenses.

What to watch

The 281 arrested individuals will face legal proceedings for the 488 new charges, including 198 felonies. The 16 undocumented immigrants transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will undergo further processing. Disney and Universal have already fired the arrested employees, and law enforcement may continue to investigate and prosecute additional suspects. The operation may also lead to increased scrutiny of theme park employees and other high-profile individuals in similar roles.