A Florida high school football coach charged with sexually abusing a student
A Florida high school football coach was charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old student, with investigators suspecting that there may be more victims.
James Edward Ford III, 43, was arrested after a student reported to a school resource officer at West Port High School that they had engaged in inappropriate behavior, including kissing and a sexual encounter in the coach’s vehicle in September, according to the Ocala Police Department.
The student revealed that Ford had started texting them in January 2024, leading to them meeting outside of school eight months later.
Authorities condemned Ford’s actions, stating, “This sort of behavior is unacceptable, especially for a person in an authority position over children.”
Police urged anyone who may have experienced similar behavior to come forward and report it to law enforcement.
Ford faces multiple felony charges, including unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, offenses against students by authority figures, and more.
Ford, who had been an assistant coach at the school since 2022, has been terminated from his position following the allegations.
Marion County Public Schools confirmed that Ford is no longer employed by the school and is not permitted on campus for any reason.
Authorities suspect that there may be additional victims of Ford’s misconduct.
