Assistant Coach Arrested on Felony Charges
Ocala, Florida – A troubling incident has unfolded at a local high school as an assistant football coach has been arrested following serious allegations. James Ford III, who has been coaching at West Port High School since 2022, was taken into custody on Friday, January 17, 2025, on multiple felony charges including unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
The situation came to light when a school resource officer reported concerns regarding “inappropriate contact” between Ford and a 16-year-old female student. According to the arrest report, the student confided in the officer that Ford had been “touchy” with her and mentioned there were “other little but major things” that he had allegedly done. Following this report, school officials informed Ford of the allegations and advised him not to return to the school.
On the following day, an officer from the Ocala Police Department interviewed the student. She revealed that Ford had asked her to “be his Valentine,” leading to phone calls and text messages that started in January 2024. The student claimed that starting in August 2024, they began to meet outside of school, where they would allegedly go out for meals, and Ford would “kiss her on the lips.”
Further allegations included an encounter where Ford purportedly kissed her in the school locker room and a reported sexual encounter inside his vehicle in September 2024. When Ford contacted the student on January 15, 2025, he allegedly suggested that she delete their text messages, which had become more romantic and sexual over time.
In response to the serious accusations, the Ocala Police Department stated, “This sort of behavior is unacceptable, especially for a person in an authority position over children.” They encouraged anyone who may have experienced similar behavior to come forward.
As the investigation continues, Ford remains in custody at Marion County Jail, facing charges that hold significant penalties. The community is left reeling from this event, which highlights critical issues surrounding trust and safety in schools.
