Alachua, FL – A 76-year-old man identified as a golf instructor and part-owner of Turkey Creek Golf Course has been arrested on felony charges after two female high school students reported being groped and inappropriately touched during an unsolicited “lesson” at the facility last summer.
John W. Stevens, 76, of Alachua, was taken into custody on February 3, 2026, by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division following the issuance of arrest warrants. He faces charges of:
- Indecent, Lewd, or Lascivious Touching of Minors
- Battery
The incidents occurred on August 25, 2025, at Turkey Creek Golf Course, located at 11400 Turkey Creek Boulevard in Alachua. Several Alachua County high school students were at the course for a non-school-related practice session. Two female students separated from the group to practice at the far end of the driving range.
According to the investigation, Stevens arrived in a golf cart, observed the girls from a distance for several minutes, then approached them. He introduced himself as a golf instructor and part-owner of the course, showed the students the Turkey Creek Golf Course website where he was listed as an instructor, and offered lessons. The students declined, but Stevens persisted.
While “instructing” one of the girls as she hit golf balls, Stevens positioned himself behind her and placed his hands on her hips without consent. He then moved his hands down her thigh while repositioning her leg and cupped her buttocks multiple times over her clothing. Stevens wrapped his arms around the student while assisting with her swing, brushing against her breast with his arm. The victim reported that Stevens pressed his body against hers from behind during the interaction.
Stevens also lifted his shorts high into his crotch area, under the pretense of demonstrating proper leg and hip movement, exposing that he was not wearing underwear and displaying pubic hair.
He then turned his attention to the second student, placing his hands on her hips and legs and forcibly positioning her hands onto his own buttocks while making comments suggesting he was not concerned about being sexually assaulted by a minor.
One of the victims discreetly contacted other male students in the group. When additional students arrived and intervened, Stevens shifted his focus to them, allowing the two girls to leave the area safely.
The Alachua Police Department was notified of the incident on August 29, 2025, after an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputy learned of it from a student. The investigation remained active for several months, leading to the recent issuance of warrants and Stevens’ arrest.
This remains an active criminal case. No additional details are being released at this time to protect the victims’ privacy.
Anyone with information related to this case or any other incidents involving John Stevens is encouraged to contact Detective Eady at the Alachua Police Department at 386-588-3328 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.