Magic KingdomNewsParks

Orlando man sentenced to 15 years in prison for molesting children at Disney World

An Orlando man who was convicted of molesting multiple underage Guests at Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2019 has been sentenced to 15 years in prison according to ClickOrlando, a local news station in the Central Florida area.

James anthony Jones
Credit: ClickOrlando

James Anthony Jones, 53, was first arrested Jones was first arrested on October 17, 2019, and charged with lewd and lascivious molestation on a victim between 12 and 15 years old after he molested two children at Magic Kingdom. Orange County deputies said that the first victim was with her mother at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe inside the park when a man later identified as Jones inappropriately touched the young girl.

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
Credit: Character Central

RELATED: Parents of toddler sue Disney Cruise Line over allegations of sexual assault on board ship

Records show that surveillance cameras captured the incident. Shortly thereafter, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies received another report involving a man with a similar description to the one in the Christmas shop. This time, an incident occurred in the preshow area of the Haunted Mansion attraction in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom.

The Haunted Mansion | Magic Kingdom Attractions | Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Disney Parks

Later that evening, the man was located–still at Magic Kingdom–and Cast Members played a role in helping authorities by identifying the man.

Following the incidents, Disney released a statement, calling Jones’s actions “unacceptable.”

Then in November 2019, after two more victims were identified, Jones faced additional charges.

RELATED: Cast Member hit by vehicle has unprecedented win in court against Disney, but Disney wins in the end

James Anthony Jones was later convicted and received his sentence this month. The judge presiding over the sentencing in the case gave the Florida man a 15-year prison sentence, but according to court records, Jones will receive credit for the 867 days already served. He was also designated as a sex offender as part of the conviction and sentencing.

Becky Burkett

Becky's from the Lone Star State and has been writing since she was 10 and encountered her first Disney Park when she was 11. It was love at first Main Street Electrical Parade. Joy is blank lined journals, 0.7 mm pens, and all things Walt, Woody and Buzz, PIXAR, Imagineering, Sleeping Beauty (make it blue!), Disney Parks history and EPCOT. At Disney World, you'll find her croonin' with the birdies at the Enchanted Tiki Room or hangin' with Woody and the gang at Toy Story Land. If you can dream, you really can do it!

Related Articles

Back to top button