Middle school coach arrested for sexual battery

OCALA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Marion County Sheriff's Office Detectives have arrested a basketball coach at North Marion Middle School, charged with sexual battery on a teenager.

Robert E. Bennett, 44, of Ocala, was taken into custody Monday afternoon after the mother of a 13 year old discovered a note written by the teenager, indicating engagement in sexual activity with Bennett.

At first, authorities said Bennett denied any type of sexual behavior, but when confronted with additional evidence, he acknowledged some form of sexual activity in his office on school grounds.

Bennett's bond is set at $50,000.

If you know any details about this case or other cases of sexual battery, contact Marion County Sheriff's Office Detective Frank Scala at 352-572-4663.