Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have apprehended Marvin Lewis Gamble, 32, on charges of assaulting a young teenager, resulting in multiple injuries to the victim’s head and face.
On November 14, the teenager attended school with noticeable facial injuries. Initially, when questioned about the marks, he remained silent, allegedly due to Gamble’s instructions not to reveal the abuse, as detailed in the arrest report.
However, by November 18, the victim confided in a school official, revealing that Gamble had struck him repeatedly in the face. The injuries reportedly suggested at least five blows to the head and facial area.
The teen recounted that on November 13, Gamble used a belt to hit him multiple times on his arms, dragged him off a bed, causing him to hit his head on the floor, and then continued to punch him in the face and head until he bled.
There was reportedly another adult present during the assault who did not intervene. Two additional adults, who are mandatory reporters though not affiliated with the school, reportedly saw the injuries shortly after the incident. Despite the victim informing them about the ordeal, the incident was not reported to the Department of Children and Families on that day. The location of the incident remains undisclosed to safeguard the victim’s identity.
The Child Protection Team reported that they found evidence that the victim had been coached by Gamble.
Post Miranda, Gamble initially said he only hit the victim on the buttocks with a back scratcher and denied ever hitting the victim in the face. However, when he was shown photographs of the victim’s injuries, he reportedly admitted to dragging him off the bed, getting on top of him, and “popping” him on the mouth until he started bleeding. He denied causing the other facial injuries and said the victim was “lying.” He said he was “counseled” by the two other adults regarding his disciplinary methods.
Gamble has been charged with child abuse without great bodily harm. His full criminal history is unavailable, but he was arrested in Alachua County in October for failing to appear at a hearing for a charge of driving on a suspended license in DeSoto County. The officer in DeSoto County reported that Gamble said on August 4 that he was in the process of moving and getting new employment. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $100,000.
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.
