Former Disney World Employee Sentenced to Three Years for Hacking Park’s Menu System

A federal judge has sentenced MICHAEL SCHEUER, a former Disney World employee, to three years in prison for hacking into the park’s menu system, removing critical peanut allergy information, adding profanities, and altering fonts. The 40-year-old from Winter Garden, Florida, will also forfeit his computers and pay $687,776.50 in restitution to the victims, as reported by Fox 35.

SCHEUER, who previously pleaded guilty to the charges in January, worked as a menu production manager at Disney, overseeing the creation and distribution of all restaurant menus, including digital versions. He was terminated on June 13, 2024, following the discovery of his unauthorized actions.

According to a federal complaint, SCHEUER’s actions were not only malicious but also posed a significant risk to public health and safety. The complaint alleges that he added profanities, altered pricing on menus, and sent multiple log-in requests, locking more than a dozen employees out of their accounts. While none of his changes were implemented in printed or digital menus, the damages were estimated to exceed $150,000.

The FBI raided SCHEUER’s home on September 23, seizing at least four computers. Initially, SCHEUER denied any wrongdoing, claiming Disney was attempting to frame him due to concerns about his termination. His attorney, DAVID HAAS, stated that SCHEUER had a disability that impacted his employment and that Disney failed to accommodate him or provide a clear explanation for his suspension and subsequent termination. HAAS emphasized that his client had filed an EEOC complaint and vowed to vigorously present his side of the story.

Initially charged with one count of knowingly causing unauthorized damage to a protected computer exceeding $5,000, SCHEUER’s case highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive systems and information.

For more details, please refer to the original report by Fox 35: [Fox 35](https://www.fox35orlando.com).