A 76-year-old Florida man who police say is a golf instructor and part-owner of a local course was arrested this week on charges involving inappropriate contact with two female high school students during a practice session last summer.
John Stevens, of Alachua, was taken into custody Tuesday by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division following an investigation that began in late August, according to arrest records.
The Alachua Police Department said it was notified on Aug. 29, 2025, about an incident that occurred four days earlier at Turkey Creek Golf Course, located at 11400 Turkey Creek Boulevard. The report came through a school resource deputy with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office who had been contacted by a student.
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According to police, several high school students were at the driving range Aug. 25 for a practice session not affiliated with their school. Two female students separated from the larger group and were practicing at the far end of the range when a man in a golf cart arrived and watched them from a distance for several minutes before approaching.
Police said Stevens introduced himself to the students, told them he was a golf instructor and part owner of the course, and showed them the course website where his name appeared as an instructor. He offered to give them lessons. The students declined, but Stevens continued to provide instruction anyway, according to the report.
While working with one student, Stevens positioned himself behind her and placed his hands on her hips without her consent, police said. He then moved his hand down her thigh to reposition her leg and proceeded to cup her buttocks multiple times over her clothing, according to the report. Stevens wrapped his arms around the student while assisting with her swing, during which his arm made contact with her breast, and pressed his body against hers from behind, police said.
During the interaction, authorities said Stevens lifted his shorts high into his crotch area under the pretense of demonstrating leg and hip movement. Police said the student reported that Stevens was not wearing underwear and exposed pubic hair.
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Stevens then turned his attention to the second student, placing his hands on her hips and legs, according to the report. Police said he forcibly placed her hands onto his buttocks and made comments indicating he was not concerned about being sexually assaulted by a minor.
One of the victims contacted other male students in the group, authorities said. When those students arrived and intervened, Stevens redirected his attention to them, allowing the two victims to leave the area safely, according to the report.
Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Stevens following the investigation. He faces charges of indecent, lewd or lascivious touching of minors and battery.
The case remains active, and authorities said no additional details will be released at this time to protect the victims’ privacy.
Detective Eady is handling the investigation. Anyone with information related to this case or other incidents involving Stevens is asked to contact the detective at 386-588-3328 or Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.
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