John James Sales, 29, a youth baseball coach and volunteer at church youth programs, was arrested on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, by Ocala Police Detective Drake. Sales faces charges of lewd or lascivious molestation and lewd or lascivious conduct involving multiple juvenile victims.
The investigation began on March 31, 2025, when the mother of a teenage victim reported incidents of unwanted physical contact and inappropriate conversations. Further investigation uncovered additional victims, with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by Sales occurring over several years during various interactions in Marion and Citrus counties. His volunteer roles at local church youth programs placed him in regular contact with minors.
Through the cooperation of victims and their families, and by conducting forensic interviews, evidence was gathered that led to Sales’ arrest. He was charged and taken to the Marion County Jail.
Due to Sales’ various roles in the community, the Ocala Police Department believes there may be more victims and urges anyone with information to come forward. Please contact OPD Detective Drake at 352-369-7000.
Ocala Police commend the bravery of the victims who have already come forward and encourage others to report abuse, emphasizing that protecting children is their top priority and they are committed to ensuring justice is served.
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