MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 43-year-old Ocala man will spend the rest of his life in prison following a harrowing case of human trafficking and sexual battery involving a child.
On April 9, 2026, a Marion County jury found Donald Ronald Gates III guilty on multiple counts, including human trafficking of a child for commercial sexual activity and lewd or lascivious molestation.
Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky handed down the mandatory life sentence immediately following the verdict.
The investigation began on October 6, 2025, when a student approached a School Resource Officer at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The victim provided written notes detailing a sexual assault that had occurred just two days prior.
Acting quickly, deputies collected unwashed clothing from the victim as evidence before transporting them to the Kimberly Center for a forensic interview.
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During that interview, the victim described how Gates used a $100 “reward” or bribe to entice them into the acts, eventually using physical force.
The victim told investigators that after the assault, Gates’ vehicle became stuck in the sand in a wooded area, forcing him to call a friend for help. Detectives later tracked down witnesses who assisted with the vehicle that night; those witnesses told law enforcement they found it “weird” that Gates was alone with the child in such a remote location.
Digital evidence and biology reports proved central to the prosecution’s case. Investigators obtained cell phone records and text messages that placed Gates at the exact scene described by the victim.
Furthermore, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that DNA found on the victim’s clothing matched the defendant. Despite the mounting evidence, Gates denied the allegations during his initial contact with officials.
State Attorney Bill Gladson praised the jury’s decision, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on crimes against minors.
“This despicable defendant, who held a position of trust, harmed an innocent child,” Gladson said in a statement. “With this sentence, he will not be able to harm another child. I would like to thank the jurors for delivering justice.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Katrina Self.
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