Credit: DisneyAuthorities say a man working at a Disney World resort property has been arrested following an investigation into several suspicious bank transactions tied to a guest’s missing checkbook.
The incident, which unfolded earlier this month, has drawn attention not only because it occurred on Disney property, but also because the suspect was reportedly employed by an outside company contracted to provide services at the resort.
According to the arrest affidavit, the situation began when a female guest contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on December 3 after her bank alerted her to four questionable transactions. The checks, which ranged from $98 to $670, reportedly totaled nearly $1,300 and were made out to a person she did not recognize.
Deputies later determined the checks had allegedly been written to “Michael Henrichsen.” Investigators traced that name to Mason Reid Henrichsen, a 21-year-old who worked on-site at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas through Town Park, a third-party company responsible for certain guest services on the property. Although he was working on Disney grounds, he was not a Disney employee—something Town Park later clarified in a statement.
Guest Reported Suspicious Activity After Bank Alert
The guest, who had been staying at the resort at the time, told deputies she did not authorize any of the payments. After reviewing the withdrawals, she realized her checkbook had gone missing. Law enforcement then began piecing together the transactions and the connection to Henrichsen.
Authorities say Henrichsen allegedly deposited at least one of the checks at a bank near Disney Springs. The affidavit notes that one attempted deposit was declined, and no money actually entered his account from that transaction. However, the guest’s bank had already flagged the activity as suspicious, triggering the investigation.
Company Confirms Awareness of the Case
Town Park, the suspect’s employer, acknowledged the incident in a statement and said it is cooperating fully with investigators. The company did not provide additional details regarding Henrichsen’s work status following the arrest but emphasized its commitment to guest safety and its partnership with law enforcement.
Disney has not released a comment, which is typical in cases where a contracted vendor—not Disney itself—is the employer involved. Companies providing services on Disney property maintain their own hiring, training, and disciplinary procedures, though they operate in close proximity to guests.
Suspect’s Account of Events
When deputies interviewed Henrichsen, he reportedly claimed he had found a blank check in the parking lot and decided to write one for himself in the amount of $88. The affidavit states he told investigators that he attempted to deposit the check but believed the transaction failed and that no funds entered his account. His explanation did not address the other checks tied to the case.
Authorities ultimately arrested Henrichsen and charged him with grand theft by fraud and forgery of a check. The investigation into the full scope of the alleged theft remains ongoing.
What Happens Next
The case now moves into the court system, where prosecutors will determine whether additional charges are warranted and how to proceed. As with all criminal cases, Henrichsen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
For guests, the incident serves as a reminder to monitor financial accounts closely during travel and to report suspicious activity immediately—something the victim in this case did quickly, allowing deputies to begin their investigation.
The situation centers entirely on actions allegedly taken by an employee of a third-party contractor. More information is expected as the case progresses and court documents become available.