Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have arrested 44-year-old Gerald Dwayne Grimes on charges of sexual battery and false imprisonment, following allegations that he raped a woman just days after his release from prison.

Grimes was released on March 20 after completing a four-year sentence for unlawful firearm possession. The victim told an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy that she had known Grimes for approximately six years and had communicated with him throughout his incarceration.

The victim recounted an earlier incident of consensual intimacy with Grimes, but stated that on March 24, she intended to spend time alone at a hotel. According to her account, Grimes drove her to the hotel and while he might have briefly entered the lobby to use the bathroom, she had secured the room for personal use.

Once in the room, she said Grimes left and returned with “Sex Candy” and marijuana before declaring his intent to “rape her.” She stated she refused intercourse with him, after which Grimes reportedly forced her onto the bed multiple times and against a wall, obstructing her exit. She attempted to flee, but Grimes allegedly restrained her and assaulted her before she managed to escape. Settling in the hallway, she overheard Grimes remark about “playing” before leaving, and inquired if they remained friends. The victim recalled attempting to call for help during the incident.

A guest in an adjacent room reported hearing disturbances from the victim’s room, noticing sounds of a struggle, including a male and female voice with the latter making a “yelp” and calling for “help.” The noises persisted for around 30 minutes, culminating in the victim’s cries for help near the door, prompting the witness to alert 911.

At the time of her interview with a deputy at a local hospital, the victim said she did not want to press charges against Grimes.

On March 28, the victim reached out to the deputy, expressing concern over future incidents to prevent others from becoming victims. Her interaction with Grimes prompted concern, as he appeared oblivious to the wrongdoing, suggesting he might re-offend.

The deputy spoke to Grimes on April 23, and Grimes reportedly denied committing a sexual battery but asked for an attorney before answering any additional questions. He was arrested on May 21 for failing to properly register as a sexual predator; specifically, he had not provided the tag number or VIN for the vehicle he used to drive the victim to the hotel.

Grimes has been charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment. He has six felony convictions (two violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (one violent); he has served seven state prison sentences, with his most recent release on March 20, 2025. On July 15, Judge Robert Groeb granted a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold Grimes without bail until trial.

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.