Former Disney World Performer Collin Klaco Arrested in Massive Florida Child Predator Sting
A former Disney World Mickey Mouse impersonator was among 281 suspects arrested during a sweeping human trafficking and child predator sting in Central Florida. Authorities confirmed that television host Chris Hansen took part in the operation, which snared 24-year-old Collin Klaco after he allegedly arranged to meet an undercover detective posing as a minor's guardian.
A massive law enforcement crackdown in Central Florida resulted in the arrest of 281 individuals in connection with an extensive human trafficking and child exploitation operation, according to reporting from TMZ. Among those apprehended during the multi-agency dragnet was 24-year-old Collin Klaco, an ex-Disney World character performer known for portraying Mickey Mouse.
The operation, coordinated by the Polk County Sheriff's Office alongside six partner law enforcement agencies, targeted alleged online predators attempting to solicit minors. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the sweeping results at a news conference, detailing how Klaco reportedly engaged in explicit communications with an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old boy.
According to Sheriff Judd, Klaco sent digital messages outlining illicit sexual encounters he intended to conduct with the purported teenager, referencing specific scenarios involving diapers and wipes. Judd told reporters that Klaco, who admitted to slipping into a Mickey Mouse costume to entertain children at the theme park, spoke in a distinctive high-pitched voice during the investigation.
Investigators reported that Klaco subsequently drove to a designated vacation rental residence in Polk County, where undercover officers were stationed. Upon his arrival at the scene, detectives immediately took Klaco into custody and uncovered diapers and wipes that authorities claim he transported for the planned encounter.
In a notable addition to the multi-agency raid, seasoned investigative television host Chris Hansen stepped in to participate in the operation. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Hansen appeared on site to interview Klaco and several other suspects captured during the sting. Hansen's long-running work pursuing suspected child predators was recently depicted in the 2026 film "PrimeTime," where he was played by actor Robert Pattinson.
Court and booking records show Klaco was booked into the Polk County jail on multiple felony counts, including traveling to meet a minor, unlawful use of a computer to solicit a guardian, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and attempted lewd or lascivious battery on a minor.
During the press briefing, Sheriff Judd emphasized the extensive collaboration required across seven agencies to arrest all 281 suspects. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also addressed reporters, commending the participating officers and pledging that state prosecutors will aggressively pursue every case generated by the sting operation. Kulture Newz has not independently confirmed whether Klaco has obtained legal representation or entered a formal plea to the charges.