Ocala youth coach arrested on sexual charge involving teen boy, police say
Ocala youth coach arrested on sexual charge
An Ocala youth coach was arrested on Sunday in connection to an alleged sexual offense involving a teenage boy, according to police..
OCALA, Fla. - An Ocala youth coach was arrested on Sunday in connection to an alleged sexual offense involving a teenage boy, according to police.
The 62-year-old man was booked into the Marion County jail on charges of indecent, lewd or lascivious touching of a minor, false imprisonment, and open carry of a firearm.
Who is Richard Hawkins?
What we know:
Richard Hawkins is involved in coaching youth athletes and is a part-owner of a business in Ocala that focuses on children’s entertainment and sports activities, the Ocala Police Department said in a news release.
Hawkins was identified as the suspect accused of inappropriately touching a 16-year-old boy who was a family friend.
Richard Hawkins is facing charges, indecent, lewd or lascivious touching of a minor, following an incident with a teenage boy, according to police. (Credit: Marion County jail)
According to police, the victim stayed overnight at Hawkins' apartment. He later reported to his father that during his stay, he woke up in Hawkins' bed with his underwear pulled down. The victim said Hawkins blocked the front door when he tried to exit, but was ultimately able to push past him and leave the residence.
The victim's father contacted Hawkins by phone, and that's when Hawkins admitted the teen's claims were true, police said.
What we don't know:
It's unclear when the incident happened and why the victim was at Hawkins' apartment. FOX 35 News is working to learn more information about the case.
‘We take these allegations very seriously'
What they're saying:
"This case is very troubling," said Jeff Walczak, Ocala Police Department. "The teen reported waking up in Mr. Hawkins’ bed with his underwear pulled down; he was exposed. He tried to leave the apartment, Mr. Hawkins tried to prevent him from leaving – that’s where the false imprisonment charge comes in. The teen victim was able to make it home, tell his parents and family called the police. When police arrived to the scene, to Mr. Hawkins’ residence, Mr. Hawkins was outside with a gun."
As of Monday night, Hawkins remained in custody at the Marion County Jail, where he was being held without bond. According to Walczak, Hawkins has coached kids in the skating community for decades. That kind of access to children leads police to believe there are more victims.
"If your children had any contact with Mr. Hawkins – talk to them, ask them if they had any inappropriate conversations or contact with him and let us know," said Walczak.
According to state records, he is part owner of Skate-A-Way South in Ocala. The majority owner of the business declined to speak with FOX 35 News following Hawkins’ arrest.
Parents of children previously coached by Hawkins did not want to speak on camera but told FOX 35’s Hannah Mackenzie that Hawkins was always at the skating rink. Known as "Spanky," Hawkins coached speed skating, roller hockey, and creative skating among other skate-related sports.
What's next:
Ocala Police investigators are concerned there are additional victims. Anyone who may have had an inappropriate encounter with Hawkins is encouraged to come forward.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Ocala Police Department.