OCALA, Fla. – An Ocala baseball coach is facing charges after police said he engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors spanning several years.
According to an arrest affidavit, John James Sales, 29, engaged in inappropriate touching and conversations with several boys, including incidents from 2016 to 2018 and as recently as March 2025.
The investigation began after a report from a mother whose 13-year-old son said Sales touched his thigh during a car ride home from a concert.
The affidavit details other incidents, including Sales allegedly discussing sexual topics with the boy and instructing him to change clothes in his vehicle rather than a restroom.
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Further interviews revealed additional victims who described similar experiences. One victim said Sales repeatedly touched him inappropriately while he was asleep and tried to sleep in the same bed with him despite being told no. Another victim described Sales grabbing his buttocks at a playground and making uncomfortable declarations of affection, the affidavit states.
Police said Sales had access to juvenile males through his involvement with local baseball leagues and church youth groups. Through the cooperation of victims and families, and by conducting forensic interviews, evidence was gathered that led to Sales’ arrest, according to the affidavit.
[WATCH: Police discuss the case in a news conference after the incident]
Sales was booked into the Marion County Jail to face charges of lewd or lascivious molestation and lewd or lascivious conduct involving juveniles.
Due to his roles in the community, Ocala police believe there may be more victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.