Polk County arrests 281 suspects in weeklong undercover sex operation

Florida law enforcement agencies concluded a seven-day undercover operation in Polk County with 281 arrests and 488 new charges. The investigation, designated Polk Around & Find Out II, focused on individuals accused of traveling to the county for unlawful sexual activity and commercial sex transactions. Officials reported that 198 of the new charges were felonies.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier addressed the results during a news conference held Friday. He stated that suspects who traveled to Polk County with the intent to sexually abuse a child encountered law enforcement instead. The agency noted that the 281 arrested individuals carried a combined total of 798 prior criminal charges. Additionally, authorities found firearms on 24 suspects and charged 32 people with drug possession.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office identified 17 of the arrestees as current or former employees of theme parks. Sheriff Grady Judd said Disney notified investigators that it had fired the employees connected to the arrests. He noted that Universal had not yet provided an update regarding the employment status of its arrested workers.

Officials detailed the geographic origins of the suspects. Forty of those arrested resided in Polk County. The remaining individuals came from other parts of Florida, 20 other U.S. states, and 18 different countries. Immigration status played a role in the enforcement actions, with 32 arrestees documented as being in the country unlawfully. Sixteen of those individuals were transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

An ICE official at the news conference said the agency interviewed more than 65 foreign-born people. The agency placed detainers on more than 30 individuals it identified as removable under immigration law. One More Child, a nonprofit partner in the operation, reported engaging with 93 people. Eighteen agreed to receive services, and officials identified 11 people they believe were victims of human trafficking.

Sine Dressler, senior director of anti-trafficking operations at One More Child, said accepting help requires trust, noting that individuals may be afraid or unsure. The organization works directly with law enforcement to provide support. Sheriff Judd said investigators are currently reviewing whether additional children were victimized in connection with one of the arrestees, who is a youth football coach. The investigation remains ongoing.