Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd’s office wrapped up its latest undercover operation — “Polk Around and Find Out II” — and the numbers are ugly even by Florida standards.
281 arrests in seven days. 239 tied to prostitution-related charges.
31 men who showed up thinking they were about to meet 13- and 14-year-olds.
11 trafficking victims identified and offered help.
Seventeen of those arrested told detectives they worked at Central Florida theme parks. Thirteen at Disney World. Four at Universal.
Seven of the theme park workers were among the accused child predators.
That list includes a former Mickey Mouse character performer, a Toy Story Land employee, and a worker from the Slinky Dog ride.
A youth football coach and an active-duty Navy sailor also got scooped up. Both parks have already cut ties with the employees involved.
This is the same state that produces a ridiculous amount of independent and pro wrestling. The same state where promotions run shows in VFW halls, small arenas, and backrooms within driving distance of those same parks.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is a Superhero
The same Florida scene that has already had to deal with its own share of predators and enablers.
We spent a long time covering Chasyn Rance and the damage he did. The pattern is always the same: people in positions of access and trust who treat kids and vulnerable people like inventory.
Whether it’s a character performer at Disney or a booker/promoter on the independents, the job title doesn’t make the behavior any less disgusting.
Florida wrestling doesn’t get a free pass just because the latest bust happened at the theme parks instead of a wrestling school.
The talent, the fans, and the kids who show up to these shows deserve better than the same recycled excuses and quiet protection networks that let this shit keep happening.
Protect the kids. Name the names. Stop giving cover.
Oh wait, before we wrap this up, I was already noticing WAY too many wrestlers, basically living at Disney World.
We’re watching. #RanceFilesNeverEnded
