Ocala, Fla. — A local high school football coach is currently in police custody after facing serious allegations involving a 16-year-old student. Investigators from the Ocala Police Department reported the arrest of 43-year-old James Edward Ford III on several felony charges stemming from an inappropriate sexual encounter that took place in September 2024.
According to police reports, Ford, who served as the assistant football coach at West Port High School, engaged in an inappropriate relationship with the student. Police revealed that the two began exchanging text messages in January 2024. As their communication grew, they started meeting outside of school in August 2024, leading to physical interactions that included kissing. Notably, they were reported to have shared intimate moments in a school locker room prior to their encounter in Ford’s vehicle.
Ford was arrested on January 17, and faces multiple felony charges, which include unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, committing offenses against students by authority figures, and traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual activity. The Ocala Police Department expressed their concern regarding such behavior, emphasizing that it is wholly unacceptable for anyone in a position of authority over children to act in this manner.
The department has urged anyone else who may have experienced similar misconduct to come forward and report it to law enforcement. The case has raised significant concerns within the community regarding the safety and well-being of students.
