UPDATE 10/24/19: Florida authorities have released a video showing photos found on Patrick Spikes’ cell phone of several wigs and costumes from the Haunted Mansion attraction.
Additionally, the video shows Spikes being interrogated by detectives when he states that he wants to speak to an attorney. The detectives tell him that’s fine, but his cell phone will need to remain with them. That’s when Spikes snatches up his cell phone and is grabbed by the detectives who managed to get the cell phone back from him.
Spikes has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but if he is convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that a former Walt Disney World Cast Member has been arrested for stealing and reselling over $7,000 in items from the theme parks, including costumes from the Haunted Mansion.
The arrest affidavit shows that Patrick Spikes, 24, used his Cast Member ID to enter the Magic Kingdom and backstage areas, where he was caught taking photos by Disney security.
According to Disney, Spikes’ phone also included pictures of Audio-Animatronics that had been stolen from the parks, possibly including an item from Epcot’s former Cranium Command attraction that was reported stolen back in August. Spikes denied stealing the items, but provided little information to Disney investigators about who may have stolen the items.
In December, a judge issued a search warrant for the phone, which also revealed pictures of costumes stolen from the Haunted Mansion. The costumed turned out to a dress from the ballroom scene that had been sent out for cleaning.
According to the affidavit, on April 26th deputies were able to contact a man who allegedly purchased the Haunted Mansion dress from Spikes for $1,000. According to the man, Spikes told him that he had permission to take the items.
Spikes remains behind bars charged with burglary, grand theft and dealing in stolen property.
ARRESTED: Patrick Spikes, 24, sits behind bars and faces charges of burglary, grand theft, and dealing in stolen property. He entered a restricted area of Disney, stole over $7,000 in items and resold them. Special thanks to the tireless efforts of our Sector 6 detectives. pic.twitter.com/ih3SaewzsN
— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) May 17, 2019
Source: Click Orlando / Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Tom is the former host/producer of the Disneyland Edition podcast and is currently the co-host of the Connecting With Walt podcast, plus is also providing Disneyland content from the parks. He enjoys traveling with friends and spending time with family, including his son and grandson. In his spare time he volunteers with Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts, and helped found his son's former Cub Scout Pack. His favorite Disneyland attraction is Space Mountain.
