Crime & Public Safety
Ocala youth pastor arrested on felony charges alleging long-term s3xual contact with minor
Ocala police arrested a 27-year-old youth pastor on felony charges after investigators say he engaged in an unlawful s3xual relationship with a minor. The arrest was made in Ocala and the suspect was later released on a $150,000 bond.
According to the arrest report, the alleged victim came forward last month and told investigators the relationship began after they met at church when the alleged victim was nine. Investigators allege the suspect groomed the minor over a six-year period, first contacting them on Snapchat and sending explicit photographs. The report states the alleged s3xual contact began at the suspect’s Gainesville residence when the alleged victim was 13 and continued into 2025, when the alleged victim was 17.
The Ocala Police Department handled the arrest and is asking anyone with information or who may have had inappropriate interactions with the suspect to contact Detective Bessette at 352-369-7000. The arrest report notes the suspect maintained multiple residences in Ocala during the timeframe of the investigation.
Allegations in the report include grooming, online s3xual communication, and s3xual contact beginning when the alleged victim was underage; these are the charges and claims documented by law enforcement. The current public record shows an arrest, felony charges, and bond posted; no court outcomes or convictions are documented in the materials reviewed.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.