Ocala, Fla. — In a troubling incident, a high school football coach from Ocala has been arrested on multiple serious charges, including illegal sexual activity with minors. James Edward Ford III, aged 43, was taken into custody by the Ocala Police Detective Blanton on Friday after an investigation revealed alarming allegations against him.
Ford faces several felony charges, including offenses against students by authority figures, travel to meet a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, and use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. These charges stemmed from a report made to School Resource Officer Pope regarding an inappropriate relationship between Ford and a 16-year-old student.
According to the investigation, the student disclosed that they had engaged in a romantic encounter with Ford, which included a kiss in a school locker room and a sexual encounter inside Ford’s vehicle in September 2024. The details of these allegations have raised significant concerns within the community and have prompted an ongoing investigation.
The Ocala local community is left shocked and concerned about the implications of this case, especially considering the role of educators and coaches in shaping young lives. Authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward to help with the investigation.
As the situation develops, more updates are expected to follow, and local news will continue to monitor any additional information regarding this case. The safety and well-being of students remain a top priority for the community.
The Ocala Police Department encourages individuals to report any suspicious activity or related concerns as they work to address this serious matter comprehensively.
