Disney worker in child-porn case released on...

The Walt Disney World cast member who plays the Beast from Beauty and the Beast and sometimes dresses as Goofy was released on bond today, the day after he was arrested on 51 felony counts of child pornography. Orange County deputies arrested Matthew Wendland, 20, after receiving a tip from his roommates who had witnessed photographs of children in sexual poses or acts in Wendland's bedroom. Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said today that Wendland "has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the charges." Wendland has worked for Disney for about seven months.

Wendland posted $8,500 bond this morning, according to Orange County Jail spokesman Allen Moore. The court will notify Wendland when he is required to return to court.

Link to bond article:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-bk-disney02092007,0,4761222.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

Link to Disney article:

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976906732

Is it just me, or is the bail low?

Comments: 8

Michael C. Feb 9, 2007, 1:24pm EST

They say one of the things they base the bail amount is on 'flight risk'. Maybe they felt he was a low risk???

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Elaine A. Feb 9, 2007, 1:34pm EST

I guess that's a reason? I just thought with 51 felony counts against him it would be higher.

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Briane P. Feb 9, 2007, 4:22pm EST

Bail is usually set on flight risk and risk of committing new crimes and/or not showing up for the next court date. Seriousness of the charges being faced is also a consideration. $8500 for possession of child pornography is actually not that low, pending the other factors.

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Carol King Feb 10, 2007, 2:16pm EST

It's scary to think about a sexual predator working at a place like DisneyWorld. I guess it's a logical place for them to want to work, because it's a target rich environment.

I live near Disneyland and I know a lot of parents who buy their kids annual passes and let them go to the park by themselves. Maybe they should re-think that and at least have the kids go in groups.

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Elaine A. Feb 10, 2007, 6:44pm EST

I did not know that Briane.

Carol many parents do this in Orlando also, I think letting all kids go in a group is a good idea.

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Amanda "middle of nowhere" C. Feb 17, 2007, 10:26am EST

Child porn is only beginning to be taken seriously in this country. So sad.

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Amanda "middle of nowhere" C. Feb 17, 2007, 10:30am EST

I have a friend who is a bondsman. He won't get out child porn offenders because the risk of them becoming pedophiles is very high. Who wants that on his/her conscience?

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Elaine A. Feb 17, 2007, 3:34pm EST

You are right Amanda this is only the beginning..

Wow, I don't blame them Amanda, who would want that on their conscience!

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Disney worker in child-porn case released on bond today

Comments: 8

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