Man Accused of Molesting Children in Disney Springs

When people think of Walt Disney World Resort, many people think of the four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios — and two water parks — Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. However, there is another large area of Walt Disney World Resort that has incredible dining, shopping, and entertainment. That area is Disney Springs — home to more than 100 shopping venues, 65 dining locations, and 20 entertainment spots. It is the ultimate spot to get your Disney fix without going into the theme parks.

Disney Springs is a great place to go to get some great Disney merchandise, but also get wonderful pieces that aren’t Disney-specific. Thousands of adults and children visit the area every day. Sadly, one person recently visited Disney Springs with something very disturbing on his mind.

According to a report from Yahoo! News, Marshall Diehl, of St. Cloud, Florida, was arrested for grabbing multiple children.

Investigators said a child reported that a tall, thin man grabbed her while she was walking through the store with her family on Tuesday. Deputies said someone who witnessed the incident chased the man through Disney Springs, but he was able to get away.

On Wednesday, deputies said they responded to the store again after a child reported that a man grabbed them while they were looking at keychains.

Deputies said they located Diehl, who matched the description provided by the child, in the Orange Garage at Disney Springs.

Deputies said the witness from the first incident also picked Diehl out of a photographic lineup.

Diehl is currently being held in the Orange County Jail on two charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child. It is unknown if he has a lawyer or if bail will be granted.

This is not the first time someone has been arrested at Disney Springs. A man recently pled not guilty to charges that he threatened police when they tried to arrest him for drunk and disorderly conduct in the area. A homeless man was arrested in February on charges of theft after he was caught stealing merchandise from several Disney Springs stores.

Should a Guest be arrested at Disney Springs — or anywhere on Disney property — for things like theft, drunk and disorderly, or molestation — it is more than likely that they will be given a “trespass” notice. That means that they are banned from all Disney Parks for a set amount of time. Particularly egregious behavior will result in a lifetime ban from Disney property.