Busch Gardens employee charged with sexual abuse of eight-year-old girl

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Busch Gardens employee is facing charges after being accused of sexually abusing a minor, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

Douglas McGee, 34, was arrested Wednesday on several charges, including sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 12 and lewd or lascivious molestation, a news release said.

The sheriff’s office said it was notified of an incident involving McGee and an 8-year-old child. They later learned McGee had given the child a cell phone and sent him inappropriate messages.

According to officials, McGee works with the victim’s brother as his supervisor.

The 34-year-old “admitted to sending inappropriate text messages, touching and sexual abuse,” the sheriff’s office said.

McGee was arrested on several counts of sexual misconduct, including unauthorized use of a two-way communication device, transmitting harmful material to a minor, sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 12; the defendant was 18 years of age or older, and three counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim under the age of 12.

Further information about his alleged misconduct was not immediately available.

“To victimize an innocent child and take advantage of their vulnerability is deeply disturbing. I feel for this child who was the victim of such a despicable individual,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our investigators are committed to ensuring that such individuals cannot victimize our children. We urge the public: If you or someone you know has been the victim of this man, please contact the police.”

According to the sheriff’s office, McGee worked part-time as a Park Quality Supervisor in Stanleyville at Busch Gardens. He has worked at the park since December 2021.

Anyone with information about this case or who believes they may be a victim of McGee is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.