A Marion County boxing coach is facing serious sex-crime charges after a teenage student told authorities she endured months of abuse, according to deputies. Juan Carlos Quintero-Barrios, 64, was arrested Monday, July 6, 2026, and booked on one count of lewd or lascivious molestation and eight counts of lewd or lascivious battery. The juvenile reported that the abuse started in September 2025 and continued over several months at different locations around Marion County. The sheriff's office says detectives believe there could be additional victims because of Quintero-Barrios' long-term work with children.
According to WFTV, the investigation began on June 10, when the juvenile came forward and gave detectives detailed statements. The outlet reports that deputies quoted the teen as saying Quintero-Barrios repeatedly warned her that "bad things would happen" if she told anyone.
Per the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, investigators say the alleged abuse took place at several locations, including Doghouse Boxing Gym, 4 Kings Boxing Gym, Quintero-Barrios' home, a hotel room and inside his vehicle. The agency has not released exact addresses while the investigation continues.
Detectives told WFTV that Quintero-Barrios agreed to sit down with them, but became visibly agitated when confronted with hotel receipts they had obtained. He confirmed he coached the girl and referred to her as a "troublemaker," according to the station. Quintero-Barrios was booked into the Marion County Jail and is being held without bond, WFTV reports.
Detectives Seeking Witnesses
Major Crimes detectives are asking anyone who may have information or who believes they might have been victimized to contact Major Crimes Detective Zachary Elliot at (352) 671-3847, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say tips can be submitted anonymously for those who prefer not to give their names.
Local Context
The arrest comes amid a run of child-sex investigations in Marion County involving adults in positions of authority over kids during the last two years. Coverage of an ex-youth football coach case, along with reporting by News4JAX and WCJB, has highlighted separate child sex cases in the county in recent years, which investigators say is part of why they are so publicly urging potential witnesses to come forward.
Legal Notes
The charges against Quintero-Barrios remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The state attorney's office will make formal charging decisions and set any upcoming court dates as investigators continue to build the case.
Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes unit at (352) 671-3847. The sheriff's office says it plans to release additional details as the case moves forward.
