A Marion County man was arrested May 1 following a Special Victims Unit investigation into allegations stemming from a New Year’s Eve gathering, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Jerome Anthony Styles, 29, faces a felony charge of lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 16, along with a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He is being held without bond.
The investigation began April 29 when deputies responded to assist the Department of Children and Families and the Ocala Police Department regarding a reported historical sexual battery. Authorities determined the incident occurred within Marion County.
According to the arrest affidavit, the victim had been staying at a residence with family on Dec. 31, 2025, for a New Year’s gathering. She told investigators she was in Styles’ bedroom playing the video game Grand Theft Auto while Styles sat in a nearby gaming chair. During that time, she reported being given alcohol, including Patron tequila and Pink Whitney vodka, and smoking marijuana.
The victim said she eventually fell asleep and later woke up feeling disoriented, describing the room as spinning. At that point, she reported seeing Styles with his hand inside her loose pajama pants, digitally penetrating her. Investigators noted the victim declined to further describe the movement.
According to the affidavit, when Styles realized the victim was awake, he began stating that he had “fucked up” and repeatedly said he was going to kill himself.
A woman later entered the room, and the victim said the situation became quiet. She was then taken into another room to watch a movie, which she described as a normal occurrence. The victim told investigators the sun was beginning to rise at that time.
The affidavit states the victim did not immediately report the incident. Approximately one week later, she disclosed it to her sister, stating she woke up with Styles’ hands inside her pants. Over time, she became distant from Styles.
Months later, the victim confronted Styles through messages on social media, asking if he remembered what he had done. According to investigators, Styles responded that he did not remember doing anything but apologized for whatever he may have done or said.
Detectives later contacted Styles, who agreed to meet on May 1. After being read his Miranda rights, he denied the allegations and described the evening as a group setting where people were playing video games. He stated the victim had fallen asleep briefly and was moved to another room.
According to the affidavit, when investigators explained the process of DNA collection, Styles became visibly nervous, sweating heavily and wiping his face before again denying any wrongdoing.
Investigators also reviewed message exchanges between Styles and the victim from March 2026. In those messages, the victim referenced the incident, while Styles stated he did not remember but wanted to remain on good terms.
The affidavit further notes Styles had a prior juvenile arrest in Putnam County related to a sexual battery allegation involving a person of similar age. That case was ultimately dropped.
Based on the totality of the investigation, detectives determined there was probable cause to charge Styles. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Marion County Jail.
Detectives say Man Gave Teen Alcohol, Then Committed Lewd Battery
