A former Marion County boxing coach is behind bars after detectives say he sexually abused a juvenile athlete over the course of several months, with investigators now concerned there could be additional victims.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 64-year-old Juan Carlos Quintero-Barrios was arrested Monday by Major Crimes Detective Zachary Elliot on one count of lewd or lascivious molestation and eight counts of lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
The investigation began June 10 after deputies responded to reports of a series of sexual batteries that allegedly started in September 2025.
According to investigators, the juvenile told detectives Quintero-Barrios, who had been serving as her boxing coach, sexually assaulted her repeatedly over several months at multiple locations throughout Marion County. Those locations allegedly included Doghouse Boxing Gym, 4 Kings Boxing Gym, Quintero-Barrios’ home, a hotel room and inside his vehicle.
Detectives said the victim provided detailed accounts of the alleged abuse and reported that Quintero-Barrios repeatedly warned her that “bad things” would happen if she disclosed what had occurred.
As the investigation continued, Detective Elliot interviewed Quintero-Barrios on July 6 after he agreed to meet with investigators.
According to the sheriff’s office, Quintero-Barrios acknowledged coaching the juvenile and described her as a “troublemaker.” Detectives then confronted him with the allegations and hotel receipts they had obtained during the investigation.
Investigators said Quintero-Barrios became agitated during the interview and admitted to secretly bringing a woman into the hotel to cheat on his wife but refused to identify the woman.
Following the interview, detectives arrested Quintero-Barrios and transported him to the Marion County Jail, where he remains held without bond.
Because of Quintero-Barrios’ work as a boxing coach with children, detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Zachary Elliot at (352) 671-3847.
