Disney employees, registered nurse among those arrested in undercover operation targeting child predators

[Kennywood]

(I couldn't bring myself to post the entire story. It's just too horrific. I only posted this in case people might have encountered any of these people, especially at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.)

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (Gray News) – Several law enforcement agencies worked together on “Operation Child Protector” to arrest more than a dozen suspects preying on children online.

Three of the people arrested in the operation were Disney employees. One of the suspects flew across the country from Los Angeles.

Jonathan McGrew and Savannah Lawrence, both custodians at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, showed up thinking they would ...........

Kenneth Aquino, a lifeguard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, left his girlfriend who is seven months pregnant with his child to ........

Source: https://www.wsaz.com/2021/08/04/dis...dercover-operation-targeting-child-predators/

 

[Suzabella]

I really wish I could say I'm surprised. Sadly...I'm not.

 

[cgattis]

It’s kind of disgusting to think we have to submit to random checks of our guest rooms when Disney could also be checking to make sure none of their own employees are doing something horrible. I had honestly never thought of that possibility. I guess if I get my vacation nap ruined for that, it’s worth it. Just sickening that this many sick people are walking around all of our kids every single day. Thanks (I guess ) for sharing; it’s good to be aware.

 

[OKW Lover]

Sad situation. Still, with ~70K CM's in central FL there are bound to be a few...

 

[cgattis]

Sad situation. Still, with ~70K CM's in central FL there are bound to be a few...

I’d like to think there’s not that many in the whole state, but sadly I think FL has way more than their fair share. Certainly not the residents they’re trying to attract, I’m sure.

 

[Narcoossee11]

Sad situation. Still, with ~70K CM's in central FL there are bound to be a few...

A few... Try thousands . Sheriff Grady Judd is a hero around here.

 

[MinnieMSue]

If they have never been arrested before for doing it how would Disney know? A background check would show prior convictions but if no priors then Disney has no way of knowing. I have no idea if Disney does background checks or not. I would hope they do

 

[AnnaS]

Why do I think this has happened before or similar to this.

Sad and disgusting. Just wish and would like to think Disney did a better background check - but what if it's their first time/getting caught - like the previous poster @MinnieMSue pointed out too?

 

[LYSE]

This will continue to happen and it's disgusting, but what catches my eye is that these CMs had priors and were still able to maintain a job with Disney.

Disney needs better background checks and needs to perform them on a regular basis.

 

[monica9]

Turning something horrific into good, I’m hoping this will now make Disney look deeper into their employees and have their eyes and ears open more for this kind of thing

 

[LYSE]

If they have never been arrested before for doing it how would Disney know? A background check would show prior convictions but if no priors then Disney has no way of knowing. I have no idea if Disney does background checks or not. I would hope they do

From the link they had other non related priors however I would hope a prior like fleeing the scene of a deadly accident would be enough for them to pass on an applicant or to let go of a cm.

 

[fatmanatee]

From the link they had other non related priors however I would hope a prior like fleeing the scene of a deadly accident would be enough for them to pass on an applicant or to let go of a cm.

It’s described an accident involving injury or death. Not exactly clear what happened in that case.

 

[LYSE]

It’s described an accident involving injury or death. Not exactly clear what happened in that case.

Ah okay I skimmed and misread that then, still I would skip that applicant and I hoped disney would as well.

 

[SkippityLou]

What they do when they get home when it includes child molestation when they’re around millions of kids, is very relevant. It’s not Disney’s fault, but a good reminder that predators are everywhere

Out of 77,000 employees is a statistical certainty there are pedophiles who are among the bunch. I don't think anyone needed a reminder of that. And those are just the 2-3 that got caught.

 

[MinnieMSue]

From the link they had other non related priors however I would hope a prior like fleeing the scene of a deadly accident would be enough for them to pass on an applicant or to let go of a cm.

yeah that’s bad. Interestingly we have a judge in our town who fled the scene of an accident (cause he was drunk) and left someone trapped in a car seriously injured. He is prob going to get off on it too

 

[Chuck S]

Sadly, it happens everywhere. Even Law Enforcement personnel and Judges have been arrested and found guilty in several states over the years...parents need to be vigilant everywhere.

I did read a related article that said, Kenneth Aquino, while he told law enforcement that he was a lifeguard at AKL, he did not actually work for Disney at all...anyone know whether that has or hasn't been verified?

 

[Chuck S]

As far as background checks, even using the best background check companies, they are not always accurate or up to date. Being a landlord, I've encountered where tenants checks comeback clean, only to find out later that there were previous evictions and damage to property.

 

[Kimpossible1]

The arrests really have nothing to do with Disney. These stings happen around here about twice a year and there are always Disney employees arrested. It's a huge company, there will be some bad people.

 

[LYSE]

As far as background checks, even using the best background check companies, they are not always accurate or up to date. Being a landlord, I've encountered where tenants checks comeback clean, only to find out later that there were previous evictions and damage to property.

Yes there are definitely some background checks that are basically a joke, this in general I feel is a big issue.

 

[OKW Lover]

Yes there are definitely some background checks that are basically a joke, this in general I feel is a big issue.

And its also possible that they have just not been caught before.