A Universal Epic Universe theme park employee was arrested after investigators stated he solicited nude photographs from an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old minor. Tyler Thomas Exline, 30, of Palm Bay, faces charges of solicitation of a minor following an operation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrest and Investigation at Universal Studios
Investigators approached Exline on Tuesday while he was on shift at the Universal Studios theme park, where he worked as a team leader for the attractions department at Epic Universe. According to the arrest affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Exline initiated contact on an unnamed hookup app with an undercover deputy on September 2.
During the online interaction, Exline transmitted a mostly nude photograph before moving the conversation to Snapchat. Once the communication shifted to Snapchat, the undercover deputy explicitly identified themselves as a minor, stating they were 14 years old. The affidavit states that Exline continued the exchange by expressing a desire to engage in sexual activity.
Social Media Exchange and Law Enforcement Contact
When the undercover deputy suggested meeting in Exline’s truck, Exline responded that his vehicle was tinted and asked the minor for nude photographs. The affidavit notes that after the deputy sent clothed photographs, Exline clarified his request, writing, “I meant you naked. Want to know what I’d be pulling up to.”
Online communication between Exline and the undercover deputy continued briefly the following day, though no further contact occurred and no in-person meeting was ever scheduled. Investigators tracked the Snapchat account to Exline and confronted him at his workplace. Jail records indicate that Exline was no longer in custody at the Orange County Jail as of Friday afternoon following his arrest.
Worth a look