Florida high school football coach, 43, arrested for alleged sexual abuse of 16-year-old student

A Florida high school football coach was charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old student and investigators believe he may have victimized more students as well. 

James Edward Ford III, 43, was arrested on Friday after the student reported to a school resource officer at West Port High School that the pair kissed, including once in a school locker room, and had a sexual encounter in the coach’s vehicle last September, according to the Ocala Police Department.

The accused predator started texting the minor in January 2024, which led to the duo meeting outside of school eight months later, police said. 

“This sort of behavior is unacceptable, especially for a person in an authority position over children,” police said in a statement.

“We ask if anyone else has experienced similar behavior to please let law enforcement know.”

Ford was charged with a slew of felonies, including unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, offenses against students by authority figures, travel to meet a minor to engage in lawful sexual activity, and use of two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, police said. 

The alleged sicko, who was employed as an assistant coach since 2022, was also fired from the Ocala school. 

“As of this past Thursday (January 16, 2025), he is no longer employed by the school nor Marion County Public Schools,” Marion County Public Schools said in a statement to News 6.

“He is also not allowed on campus for any reason.”

Police suspect there may be additional young victims.