A shocking incident has come to light in Florida, where a high school football coach has been accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old student. The coach, James Edward Ford III, 43, was arrested after the student reported to a school resource officer at West Port High School about their inappropriate relationship. The student revealed that they had engaged in kissing, including in a school locker room, and had a sexual encounter in the coach’s vehicle back in September.
According to the Ocala Police Department, the accused coach had started texting the minor in January 2024, which eventually led to them meeting outside of school eight months later. This behavior is completely unacceptable, especially coming from a person in a position of authority over children, as stated by the police.
Ford was charged with several 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 a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. The police are urging anyone who may have experienced similar behavior to come forward and report it to law enforcement.
Ford, who had been working as an assistant coach at West Port High School since 2022, has since been fired from his position. Marion County Public Schools confirmed that he is no longer employed by the school or the school district and is not allowed on campus for any reason.
Authorities suspect that there may be more victims of the coach’s predatory behavior and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. This disturbing incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting students from harm.
