Child Pornography Sting Arrests 16 Men, Including Disney World Employees
Polk County, Florida – In a highly successful sting operation named “Operation Guardians of Innocence V,” the Polk County Sheriff’s Office apprehended 16 men, including two Disney World employees, for their involvement in the distribution of child pornography. The arrests have sent shockwaves through central Florida.
Among those arrested were 32-year-old Justin Hazan and his roommate, 36-year-old Arlandres Sims. Both Hazan and Sims, employed at Disney World, now face grave charges related to child pornography. Hazan, who operated Disney World’s Millennium Falcon Ride, is confronting 15 counts of child pornography possession charges. Sims, who worked as a food runner at the Animal Kingdom Resort, is facing 25 counts of possessing child pornography.
Sheriff Grady Judd, in a press conference on Tuesday, revealed that the total number of felonies charged against the men amounted to a staggering 1,409. These charges encompassed possession and distribution of child pornography. Sheriff Judd expressed his concern about the revictimization of the innocent children involved, emphasizing that each time an explicit image or video is shared, the child suffers anew.
Disturbingly, many of the victims identified in this operation were less than a year old when they were subjected to sexual abuse, both in video and photographic form. Sheriff Judd condemned the suspects, describing their actions as indicative of their deep deviance.
The age range of the arrested individuals varied from 18 to 64 and included professionals from various fields. Notably, a registered nurse and a hospital pharmacist were among those apprehended. John Aziz, a 35-year-old pharmacist working at the Heart of Florida Medical Center, is facing 72 counts of possession of child pornography. Sheriff Judd emphasized the severity of Aziz’s case, revealing that some of the explicit material found in his possession featured children as young as 18 months old.
Another suspect, 38-year-old Edgardo Acevedo Cancela, worked as a registered nurse at the Osceola Regional Medical Center. Cancela faces charges of possessing and promoting child pornography, with a total of five counts for each offense. Disturbingly, Cancela is married and has children of his own, aged 10 and 13.
The youngest suspect, 18-year-old Landen Ulrich, was arrested on charges of possessing child pornography. Ulrich, living with his parents and younger siblings, is confronting a staggering 200 counts of child pornography possession. Shockingly, the explicit material found in his possession included victims as young as six months old.
Sheriff Judd made an impassioned plea to law enforcement agencies nationwide, urging them to relentlessly pursue individuals involved in the heinous crime of child pornography. He emphasized the need to bring these criminals to justice swiftly and ensure they are locked away, safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
These arrests serve as a reminder of the grave dangers lurking in our communities and the urgent need to protect our children from such predators. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to combating child exploitation and ensuring the safety and well-being of all children.
