Former Disney Mickey Mouse Performer Arrested in Florida Child Predator Sting Involving 281 Suspects

A former Walt Disney World employee who once portrayed Mickey Mouse has been arrested in Florida after allegedly attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with someone he believed was a 13-year-old boy. The arrest was part of a massive undercover operation targeting suspected child predators and human trafficking, which resulted in 281 arrests over seven days. The case has drawn widespread attention because of the suspect’s former connection to one of Disney’s most recognizable characters.

Authorities identified the suspect as Collin Klaco, of Clermont, Florida. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Klaco communicated online with an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy. Investigators allege that he discussed sexual activities involving the child and arranged to meet at an undercover location. The sheriff said Klaco traveled there believing he would meet the boy, but instead encountered law enforcement officers.

When Klaco arrived, detectives reportedly discovered two backpacks containing diapers and baby wipes. Some of the items reportedly carried Disney branding. Sheriff Judd also told reporters that Klaco admitted he had previously worked at Walt Disney World as a Mickey Mouse character performer. However, authorities emphasized that he was no longer employed by Disney at the time of his arrest. The allegations do not establish that any inappropriate conduct occurred while he was working at the theme park or involved Disney visitors.

Klaco was arrested on October 30, 2026, and faces four felony charges: traveling to meet a minor, using a computer to solicit a guardian, using a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and attempted lewd or lascivious battery on a minor. The investigation involved an undercover officer posing as an adult responsible for a fictional child, meaning the alleged encounter was arranged through law enforcement rather than with an actual 13-year-old victim. Klaco has not been convicted, and the allegations must be addressed through the court process.

The broader operation, known as “Polk Around and Find Out II,” was described by Sheriff Judd as the largest undercover investigation in his department’s history. Over seven days, authorities arrested 281 people. Officials said 31 arrests involved suspected child predators, while 239 were connected to prostitution-related offenses and 11 involved other alleged crimes. Seventeen people employed by Central Florida theme parks were among those arrested, including 13 Disney employees and four Universal Orlando employees. Authorities also identified 11 potential human trafficking victims during the operation and said they were offered assistance and support services.

The arrest has raised questions because of Klaco’s former association with a character closely connected to children’s entertainment. However, investigators have not alleged that he used his previous Disney position to approach or target children. The sheriff’s office said Disney had terminated the employment of its current employees who were arrested in the operation, while Klaco had already left the company. As the criminal proceedings move forward, the evidence and court records will determine the outcome of the case. For now, Klaco remains accused of serious offenses, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

Sources:

• NewCarsz