Christopher Chell, a former youth football coach from Florida, has been arrested on claims of sexual misconduct with a kid. According to WFTV, the victim reported the assault to a teacher, which led to Chell’s arrest. The 44-year-old suspect was extradited to Marion County and charged with lewd or lascivious molestation of a kid under the age of 12.
The inquiry, which began in October 2022, alleges that Chell abused the victim after transporting him home after a flag football game. After serving as the child’s coach, it is reported that the inappropriate behavior occurred during this trusting drive home, putting a dark twist on a typically protective role. The investigation was transferred to Marion County’s jurisdiction when the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office determined the incident’s reported location, according to ClickOrlando.
Chell’s record contains previous arrests for similar charges. Notably, in 2024, the Gainesville Police Department arrested him on many counts of indecent or lascivious molestation involving additional kids; however, some of the accusations were later dismissed. Chell later pleaded guilty to felony battery and received a sentence of 60 months probation, according to FirstCoastNews. According to Detective Adkins, “It is apparent that Christopher [Chell] was using his position in the school to commit sex crimes on young children.”
Chell was released after posting a $10,000 bond, pending trial. Investigators believe there may be further victims and are appealing to the public for information. Anyone with relevant information should contact Detective Paxton at (352) 368-3534.
