Florida Sting Leads to 281 Arrests Including 17 Theme Park Workers

A major undercover investigation in Polk County, Florida, resulted in 281 arrests, including 17 theme park employees, as authorities targeted suspected child predators and human trafficking networks. The weeklong operation, announced October 30, 2026, generated 488 new criminal charges, including 198 felonies, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's office.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office conducted two simultaneous investigations under an operation named Polk Around & Find Out II. One targeted adults attempting to meet children for sexual activity, while the other focused on suspected human trafficking.

Sheriff Grady Judd described the investigation as the largest undercover operation his department had conducted. Investigators identified 31 people who allegedly traveled to meet a child for sex, while the attorney general's office reported 32 arrests connected to that investigation.

The separate trafficking investigation resulted in 249 arrests, including 117 alleged sex buyers and 122 people accused of prostitution, according to the attorney general's office.

Authorities also reviewed the suspects' criminal histories. The 281 individuals collectively had 798 previous charges, including 358 felonies. Nine were serving probation, and nine had previously been arrested in operations conducted by the sheriff's office.

Investigators additionally reported that 24 suspects brought firearms to the operation, while 32 people faced drug possession charges.

Of the 17 theme park employees arrested, 13 worked for Disney and four for Universal, Judd said. Disney informed investigators that it had terminated the employees involved, according to the sheriff.

Among those arrested was Rashion Crayton, 31, of Bartow, whom authorities identified as a youth football coach. Detectives alleged that Crayton exchanged explicit messages with an undercover investigator posing as a 14-year-old girl before traveling to an arranged meeting with lubricant and sex toys.

Crayton faces charges including traveling to meet a minor and attempted lewd or lascivious battery, according to the sheriff's office.

Another suspect, Adam Snyder, 24, of Champions Gate, allegedly told investigators that he worked in Toy Story Land at Disney World. Authorities said they discovered part of his uniform and his Disney identification card inside his vehicle. Snyder was among those accused of traveling to meet a child for sex.

Two additional suspects faced human trafficking charges connected to the child predator investigation. Detectives accused Derrick Opitz, 27, of offering a child's guardian $500, while Odlanier Marrero Rodriguez, 22, allegedly offered marijuana in exchange for sexual activity with a child.

Uthmeier said his office would pursue the cases and seek substantial penalties. He also called on judges to consider the risks associated with releasing repeat offenders or imposing lighter sentences.

"We need our judges to take this seriously," said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

Uthmeier said prosecutors would examine defendants' criminal histories and consider additional charges when the evidence warranted further action.

The investigation also included efforts to identify and assist potential trafficking victims. Judd said partner organizations identified 11 possible victims during the operation.

Saine Dressler, senior director of anti-trafficking operations at One More Child, said the organization spoke with 93 people. Its staff provided support during initial court appearances and continued outreach through visits to local jails.

Dressler said 18 people had agreed to receive assistance at the time of the announcement.

Stacy Ham, a trafficking survivor who works with One More Child, emphasized the importance of continued support for people identified as potential victims.

"Behind every number is a person, a story and someone that deserves to be seen, valued and heard," said Ham.

Ham said survivors also need long-term assistance, including housing and accessible support services, beyond the initial identification of exploitation.

Federal agencies participated alongside local and state authorities. David Gritte, an acting deputy field office director with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said officers interviewed more than 65 foreign-born individuals encountered during the operation and issued more than 30 immigration detainers.

Uthmeier's office separately reported that 32 people arrested during the investigation were in the United States illegally, with 16 subsequently transferred to ICE custody.