LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (WKRC) – A man was arrested backstage at Disney in a child predator sting.
According to WTSP, 37-year-old Michael Byrne was located and arrested at Walt Disney World after he allegedly sent explicit images and videos through Snapchat to an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old boy in Orlando.
Per the report, the alleged exchanges occurred in August. Byrne reportedly asked the investigator whether he could send something “spicy” before allegedly sending an explicit image and three sexually explicit videos.
While investigating, authorities reportedly obtained records from Snapchat and Verizon that linked the account to Byrne, his phone number, date of birth and Lakeland, Florida, address.
An affidavit reviewed by WKMG reportedly indicates Byrne was located at 751 Backstage Lane, which the outlet reports is associated with Walt Disney World’s backstage area.
When speaking to WKMG reporters, Disney confirmed that Byrne is not an employee, although it remains unclear how he was able to access the backstage area.
When confronted by law enforcement, Byrne reportedly admitted the Snapchat account was his but claimed he was unaware he was communicating with a 13-year-old child, WKMG reported.
Byrne was arrested and charged with the following, per the report:
- Solicitation of a minor via computer
- Transmission of harmful material to minors
- Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
He was taken to the Orange County Jail, where he was held without bond, according to the outlets.
