Disneyland Worker Is Arrested

A Disneyland employee has been arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of methamphetamines while working at the Space Mountain roller coaster, according to police and park security reports.

Robbie Santmyer, 35, was arrested about 12:30 a.m. Saturday after complaints from Disneyland guests that she was talking fast, grinding her teeth and appeared to be under the influence of drugs, according to Anaheim police and Disneyland security reports.

Disneyland spokesman Ray Gomez said Santmyer was a newly hired employee who had not yet completed her probationary period. She was working as a hostess, greeting guests as they entered the “Fast Pass” line and had not been trained as a ride operator.

“Our policy pretty clearly states that we have zero tolerance for drug use on the job,” Gomez said. “If a cast member is found to be in possession of illegal drugs anywhere on resort property, they are subject to immediate termination.”

The ride’s manager brought Santmyer to the Tomorrowland security station.

When asked if she had any drugs, Santmyer threw a pack of cigarettes onto a table and a plastic bag and straw spilled out, according to the security report. A test showed the powder to be about two-fifths of a gram of methamphetamine, according to reports.

She told officers she took a small amount of methamphetamine about 11:20 p.m. Friday because she was tired.

Security officers summoned Anaheim police, who arrested Santmyer on suspicion of felony drug possession and misdemeanor being under the influence, according to the reports.

Santmyer was released Saturday from Orange County Jail. If convicted, she could be sent to prison. But most first-time offenders--Santmyer has no prior convictions--can clear a low-level drug offense by attending counseling.

Disneyland does not conduct pre-employment drug screenings, but, Gomez said, “This is why we have a probationary period--to determine if an employee will be fit to work here.”

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Times staff writer Kimi Yoshino contributed to this report.