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

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

James Edward Ford III, 43, told a school resource officer at Westport High School that the two kissed, including in the school locker room, and had a sexual relationship on a bus last September. He was arrested Friday after a student reported he had it. According to the Ocala Police Department.

Police said the alleged predator began texting the minor in January 2024, which led to the two meeting outside of school eight months later.


James Edward Ford III, 43, was charged with a slew of felonies after a student called the school resource officer. Ocala Police Department

“This type of behavior is unacceptable, especially by someone in a position of authority over children,” police said in a statement.

“If anyone else has experienced similar behavior, we ask that they please contact law enforcement.”

Ford is charged with unlawful sexual conduct with certain minors, crimes against students by persons of authority, traveling to meet minors to engage in lawful sexual acts, and use of a two-way communication device in furtherance of a felony. Police announced that he was charged with numerous felonies. Said.


Ford is no longer employed at Westport High School, where he worked as an assistant coach since 2022.
Ford is no longer employed at Westport High School, where he worked as an assistant coach since 2022. Google Maps

Sicco, who had been hired as an assistant coach since 2022, was also fired from the Ocala school.

“As of last Thursday (January 16, 2025), he is not employed by the school or Marion County Public Schools.” Marion County Public Schools said in a statement to News 6.

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

Police believe there may be more young victims.

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