A Universal Epic Universe employee was taken into custody inside the park this week after Orange County deputies say he tried to meet a child he had been messaging online. According to investigators, that child was actually an undercover deputy.
“Orange County deputies arrested a Universal theme park employee they say tried to meet a 14-year-old for sex after contacting the “teen” online — but investigators say the child was actually an undercover deputy,” Click Orlando reports.
The arrest took place during the employee's shift. “Deputies arrested 30-year-old Tyler Exline Tuesday at his place of employment, Universal’s Epic Universe,” the report states. “He now faces two counts of solicitation of a minor, according to an arrest affidavit. He faces another count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, also a third-degree felony.”
How Investigators Identified the Suspect
Exline's name was not visible on the online profile he used to contact the undercover deputy. Investigators instead worked through a “chain of digital warrants,” which eventually turned up a photo of the 30-year-old wearing a Universal Orlando name badge. That detail led deputies directly to the resort.
Click Orlando also confirmed his position at the park. “Deputies said Exline was arrested Tuesday afternoon at Universal’s Epic Universe while he was working as a team leader in the attractions department,” the outlet explained.
Universal has since confirmed that Exline is no longer employed by the company.
Deputies Issue a Warning to Families
The department has not disclosed the specific tactics used in the undercover operation, but officials used the case to urge parents to stay closely involved in their children's online activity. “Know what they’re viewing, who they are interacting with, and where they are spending time online,” deputies said, adding, “Remember, parents are the first and strongest line of defense.”
Epic Universe's First Full Year
The arrest comes as Epic Universe moves through its first full year of operation. The park opened in May 2025 as the newest addition to Universal Orlando Resort, joining Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk. Its lineup includes the Isle of Berk, based on the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, a land dedicated to Universal's Classic Monsters, and a major expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In little more than a year, it has become one of Central Florida's biggest tourism draws.
This is not the first case of its kind in the region. Undercover operations have previously led to the arrests of theme park employees across Central Florida, including cast members at Walt Disney World, over illegal activity involving minors.
Inside the Magic will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.
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