Image sources: John James Sales, courtesy of Ocala Police Department. Google Street View of Oak-Griner Baptist Church, one location where Sales coached youth baseball, © Google. Accessed via Google Maps.
John James Sales, a 29-year-old youth baseball coach and church volunteer in Ocala, Florida, was arrested on June 25th and charged with lewd or lascivious molestation and lewd or lascivious conduct/touch involving minors. Police believe that Sales’s pattern of behavior dates back nearly a decade.
Authorities have confirmed three victims but suspect there may be more who have not yet come forward. Two victims are linked to charges filed by Ocala Police in Marion County. A third victim came forward in Citrus County, but because that incident occurred outside of Ocala Police Department’s jurisdiction, it has been referred to the State Attorney’s Office for review.
Disturbing Pattern of Behavior
The investigation into Sales began on March 31, 2025, when the mother of a 13-year-old reported that her son had been subjected to multiple incidents of inappropriate, unwanted physical contact and sexually explicit conversations with Sales.
WESH reports that “After further investigation, officers discovered multiple allegations tied to Sales that involved sexual misconduct.”
Another victim, a foster child in Reddick, Florida, reported that Sales sexually assaulted him in his sleep in 2020. That disclosure prompted an investigation by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, a third victim—a boy in Citrus County—says Sales molested him at a friend’s house.
Trusted Roles in the Community
Sales held trusted positions in several organizations in Marion and Citrus counties, including Church of Hope, Oak-Griner Baptist Church, and Rotary Sportsplex of Marion County.
His positions gave him ongoing access to children. Sales reportedly met the boys he is accused of abusing through his roles as a baseball coach for two leagues and as a church youth group volunteer.
Police Believe There May Be More Victims
“Our concern is that we may not have found them all,” said Captain Michael Sommers, referring to potential victims of Sales.
Authorities strongly encourage anyone who has additional information—or believes their child may have been abused by Sales—to contact Ocala Police Detective Drake at 352-369-7000.
Watch the full press conference here.
Institutional Accountability Must Be Part of the Conversation
Sales didn’t gain access to children by accident. He was allowed into positions of trust by organizations that had a responsibility to protect the children in their care. While it’s not yet clear what these organizations knew, they had a duty to screen, train, and monitor the adults working with youth. In many abuse cases, failures like poor background checks, lack of supervision, or inadequate reporting protocols allow predators to operate undetected for years.
Organizations that allow abuse to happen must be held accountable. Civil legal action is often the only way to uncover the full truth and ensure those who failed to protect children face consequences.
When Trust Is Betrayed, We Fight for Justice
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of child sexual abuse in civil cases against organizations that failed to protect them. Our firm is experienced in holding churches, youth organizations, and sports leagues accountable when they place children in harm’s way.
If your child was harmed by John James Sales or another individual who held a trusted position, you don’t have to navigate this alone. We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.
Contact us today.
