OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrested a former youth flag football coach for Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a juvenile victim.

Arrest

On February 10, 2025, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) responded to a report of a sexual battery.

ACSO deputies contacted a juvenile victim, who informed them that in mid- to late October 2022, Chell had given him a ride home from a flag football game.

During the ride home, the victim disclosed to authorities that Chell reached over, placed his hands inside the victim’s shorts, and molested the victim’s genitalia.

ACSO detectives determined that the crime occurred within Marion County borders, leading to MCSO detectives taking over investigations.

MCSO later learned that Chell had been arrested in 2024 by the Gainesville Police Department for multiple counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation.

As a result, Chell entered a no contest plea to Authority Figure Soliciting/Engaging in a Romantic Relationship and Battery, Second or Subsequent Offense.

Chell was sentenced in Alachua County to 60 months of probation.

He is currently out on a $10,000 bond and has an upcoming court date on April 29, 2025.

Based on his criminal history, authorities believe Christopher Chell may have victimized other children. Anyone with information about other potential victims is asked to contact Detective Paxton at (352) 368-3534.

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