Three Disney employees and a school teacher were among 219 individuals apprehended in a massive human trafficking sting operation in Florida. The operation, aptly named ‘Traffic Stop 2’, was conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which announced the successful arrests on September 29th, 2023.
The weeklong operation led to the arrest of 83 suspects for soliciting a prostitute, including Kenneth Green, Marquis Nixon, and Carlos Ro, all employed by Disney. Green serves as a training coordinator, Nixon is part of the security team, and Ro works as a custodian.
Their arrests have raised serious questions about the integrity of those entrusted with maintaining the magic of Disney.
The operation also led to the identification of 21 potential victims of human trafficking among the 119 prostitutes arrested. This alarming figure underscores the pervasive and insidious nature of human trafficking, even in a state known for its sun-soaked beaches and family-friendly theme parks.
Among the other notable arrests was Russell Rogers, an athletic director at Vanguard School and a teacher at Auburndale High School. Rogers, a married man with three children, was accused of negotiating to have sex with a prostitute.
His arrest has sparked outrage and disappointment within the educational community, highlighting the need for more stringent background checks and moral standards for those in positions of influence over young minds.
Two individuals, Maria Guzman and Freddy Escalona, were arrested on charges of human trafficking and deriving proceeds from prostitution. Escalona allegedly forced a woman into prostitution after she was unable to repay a loan he had given her for vehicle repairs.
Guzman reportedly organized appointments for two young women she was prostituting, taking a significant portion of their earnings.
The operation also revealed a disturbing trend among the arrested individuals. A total of 35 suspects were suspected to be in the country illegally, hailing from countries such as Cuba, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and the Bahamas.
Additionally, 41 suspects admitted to being married, 13 were on government assistance, and 42 brought illegal drugs to the location.
The ‘Traffic Stop 2’ operation has not only exposed the dark underbelly of human trafficking but also highlighted the urgent need for more stringent measures to combat this heinous crime.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office deserves commendation for their tireless efforts in bringing these criminals to justice. However, the involvement of Disney employees and school teachers in such activities is a stark reminder that vigilance must be maintained at all levels of society.