Staff Report

ALACHUA, Fla. – A 76-year-old man named John William Stevens was taken into custody on February 3, following warrants issued for his alleged inappropriate conduct involving two high school girls during their golf practice at Turkey Creek Golf Club.

The incident came to light on August 29, 2025, when an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputy (SRD) was informed of the situation, prompting the SRD to alert the Alachua Police Department.

The investigation revealed that on August 25, a group of high school students was practicing at the Turkey Creek Golf Course, located at 11400 Turkey Creek Boulevard. Stevens reportedly approached two girls who had distanced themselves from their peers to practice at the end of the driving range.

During a discussion with the Child Protection Team, one of the girls recounted how Stevens rode up in a golf cart, observing them before introducing himself as “John.” He claimed to be a golf instructor and part-owner of the course, a claim supported by his listing on the golf course’s website. Notably, Turkey Creek Golf LLC, which leases the course from the Turkey Creek Master Owners Association, is owned by numerous shareholders.

According to the first girl’s account, her friend expressed disinterest in receiving golf lessons, yet Stevens persisted. Allegedly, while repositioning her leg, he moved his hands down her thigh and repeatedly touched her buttocks over her clothing. Furthermore, he purportedly enveloped her with his arms under the guise of aiding her swing, during which his arm brushed against her breast. The second girl reported that Stevens pressed his body against hers from behind. In another unsettling moment, Stevens allegedly adjusted his shorts in a manner that exposed his pubic hair, claiming it was to demonstrate leg and hip movement, all while making it evident he was not wearing underwear.

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.