Disney worker among 41 arrested in Polk County online child sex sting

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Forty-one people were arrested on charges of traveling to have sex with who they thought were 13- to 15-year-old boys and girls living in Polk County, authorities said Monday.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said it conducted an undercover operation targeting online child predators.

During the week-long undercover operation, which began on June 8 and ended June 16, Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives, along with detectives and investigators from 11 local, state and federal agencies, arrested the 41 suspects.

Authorities said it is the largest Internet crimes against children investigation in Polk County's history.

Undercover video shows Polk County detectives arresting 46-year-old James Walker, who is a costumer at Disney World.

Detectives said he drove to Polk County, intending to have sex with who he thought was a 15-year-old boy.

"He said he needed to be real careful because it was illegal and he could go to jail," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Another man in custody was identified as 49-year-old Ignacio Alvarado, who works for a company under contract for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Officers said Alvarado was arrested as he arrived, thinking he was meeting a 14-year-old girl.

Authorities said the suspects came from as far away as Wisconsin and Alabama to have sex with who they thought were children.

"If the children are playing on the computer, these guys are trying to engage them in conversation," said Judd.

WFTV