Florida child sex sting nets 41 arrests, report says

(CBS) POLK COUNTY, Fla. - Forty-one people, including a Disney World worker and a college student, were arrested in a week-long child sex sting operation in Polk County, Fla., CBS affiliate WKMG reports.

According to the station, the sting netted individuals who live as far away as Wisconsin after they allegedly traveled to Polk County to have sex with boys and girls as young as 13-years-old, police say.

"Despite the fact our detectives have conducted nine of these operations since 2006; despite the extensive media coverage when we talk about the numerous arrests; despite the fact we make no secret about putting suspects in jail -- there are those who continue to travel to Polk County to have sex with a child," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "Make no mistake; we will continue to make protecting our children our No. 1 priority. We will continue to conduct these investigations, and we will continue to arrest those who would travel to Polk County to harm children."

James J. Walker III, a 46-year-old costumer's assistant at Walt Disney World, is accused of seeking sex from a 15-year-old boy, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Disney reportedly said Walker was terminated from his position at the company.

Shane Christopher, a 29-year-old student at Valencia College, was also arrested in the sting after authorities say he was willing to pay $125 to have sex with a 14-year-old girl, the station reports.

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, as well as investigators from ten local, state and federal agencies took part in the sting, authorities said, according to the station.

The 41 suspects - which included 30 men and 1 woman - face a variety of charges including attempted lewd battery, transmission of harmful material to a minor, and procuring minor for prostitution. According to the station, 180 charges were filed in total.