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Staff report
ALACHUA, Fla. – A disturbing incident has come to light involving John William Stevens, a 76-year-old man who was arrested on February 3. Stevens faces allegations of inappropriate conduct towards two high school girls at the Turkey Creek Golf Club. The incident reportedly took place as the students were engaged in a golf practice session.
The case unfolded when an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputy (SRD) was informed about the alleged misconduct on August 29, 2025. Prompt action led the SRD to alert the Alachua Police Department, initiating a formal investigation into the accusations.
According to the investigation’s findings, the unsettling encounter occurred on August 25. A group of high school students was practicing at the Turkey Creek Golf Course, located at 11400 Turkey Creek Boulevard. At some point, Stevens allegedly approached two girls who had moved away from the main group to practice at the further end of the driving range.
During an interview conducted by the Child Protection Team, one of the victims recounted that Stevens arrived on a golf cart, observing them initially before introducing himself as “John.” He claimed to be a golf instructor and part-owner of the facility. To substantiate his claims, Stevens reportedly showed the girls the golf course’s website where his name was listed as an instructor. It is important to note that Turkey Creek Golf LLC, which leases the course from the Turkey Creek Master Owners Association, has multiple shareholders.
The first victim said her friend told the man she didn’t want golf lessons, but he continued, anyway; he allegedly moved his hands down the second victim’s thigh while repositioning her leg and cupped her buttocks multiple times over her clothing. He allegedly wrapped his arms around the student while assisting with her swing, and his arm brushed against her breast. The second victim reported that Stevens then pressed his body against hers from the rear. During this interaction, Stevens also allegedly lifted his shorts high into his crotch area under the pretense of demonstrating leg and hip movement, making it clear that he was not wearing underwear and displaying pubic hair.
The first victim said that both girls were uncomfortable, so she texted her boyfriend to come over and intervene.
The first victim said the man also told her to come hit with him, and when he was showing her how to hit, he took her hands and placed them on his hips while stating that he was not afraid of being sexually assaulted by a high school girl.
The first victim’s boyfriend arrived with a male friend, and the first victim said the man did not touch them as much while the boys were there; she said the man made comments about the boys and tried to get them to leave, but they stayed. The male friend reportedly convinced the man to give him lessons, giving the girls a chance to leave.
The first victim’s mother reportedly contacted the golf course staff and was told that Stevens was already on probation and was prohibited from having contact with female customers. They said the school’s staff had also intervened to prohibit Stevens from having any contact with students. The golf course staff reportedly said they’d had other complaints about Stevens’ behavior.
Stevens has been charged with battery and indecent, lewd, or lascivious touching of a minor. He has no criminal history. In the arrest warrant, Judge Robert Groeb set bail at $125,000; the State Attorney’s office requested that he have no contact with either victim (a standard release condition), have no contact with minors, be placed on electronic monitoring, be prohibited from giving any private golf lessons, and be prohibited from being at the Turkey Creek Golf Course when minors are present. His formal release conditions are not currently public, but he posted bail on February 3 and was released.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.