News: Disney World employee arrested for child porn

Posted at 11:28 PM EST (0428 GMT)

Feb. 9th, 2007 -- A 20-year-old Disney employee, Matthew Wendland who was hired in July was released Friday after posting bond after being charged with 51 counts of possessing child porn.

Wendland dressed in costumes, playing the role of Beast (from Beauty and the Beast) as well as sometimes playing Goofy.

Police say he has no criminal record.

Police say Wendland’s roommates discovered the child pornography in his room and called the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Wendland is now suspended without pay from Disney pending the outcome of the investigation.

Disney spokesperson Kim Prunty says characters like the ones he performed as always have attendants with them.  She says he was never alone around kids, and he, like all of their employees, had a background check done.

In a statement, Prunty said that "all employees receive a thorough background check prior to employment.  It's a standard procedure, part of the employment process.  Nothing is more important than the safety of our guests," the statement said.

For more information on this story visit MyFox Tampa Bay and KGMB9 News.

Edited and posted by Wes.

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