Ex-football coach arrested, charged with sex crimes against minor


File photo: Students leave West Port High School in Ocala, Fla. after the last bell on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

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Posted January 23, 2025 | By Caroline Brauchler
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A former Marion County football coach has been arrested on multiple charges for sexual offenses against a minor, according to the Ocala Police Department.  

James Edward Ford III, a former West Port High School assistant football coach, was arrested on Jan. 17 on charges of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, offenses against students, traveling to meet a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.  

The OPD received information from West Port’s school resource officer that led to Ford’s arrest. Ford, a 43-year-old who lives in Marion Oaks, is accused of having inappropriate contact with a 17-year-old female student, according to his arrest report.  

The student told investigators that from January 2024 until August 2024 she and Ford would talk over the phone and via text. From August until Ford’s arrest, he would meet the student at locations outside of school and engage in inappropriate conduct, according to the report.  

Ford was also previously employed by the city of Ocala.  

The “Gazette” requested Ford’s personnel file from Marion County Public Schools but has not yet received the records.  

Ford’s first appearance was held before Circuit Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky. Ford has been appointed a public defender to represent him and his bail has been set at $35,000.  

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