Florida high school track star charged with sexual assault

OCALA — Sheriff’s detectives arrested a Vanguard High School senior on sexual assault charges, accusing him of having unwanted sex with an 18-year-old woman.

Joseph Fitzpatrick, 18, was taken into custody by Marion County Sheriff’s Detectives Craig Evans and Daniel Pinder at the Ocala high school on Tuesday.

Fitzpatrick initially declined to be interviewed by the detectives, according to the Sheriff’s Office, but he changed his mind on the way to the Marion County Jail.

He told the detectives his accuser came to his home, located in the 4200 block of Northeast 32nd Circle, where she had a drink – gin – and took a pill he gave her. Fitzpatrick said the pill was purchased over the counter and it enhances the effects of marijuana. Fitzpatrick said he did not smoke any marijuana.

Fitzpatrick told detectives he and the woman had consensual sex. Later, he told deputies, she started drinking and became intoxicated. He said he dropped her off at a residence at her request.

In his report, Pinder noted Fitzpatrick was arrested because the woman was intoxicated and non-consenting in Fitzpatrick’s room.

Fitzpatrick, a celebrated VHS track star, declined an interview request from the Star-Banner. His father also offered no comment.

Sheriff’s officials said on Feb. 19, they were notified about a possible sexual assault. Deputies said the woman was found unconscious on the ground outside a home and she was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center for treatment.

At the hospital, she told Pinder that she drove to Fitzpatrick’s home and went into his bedroom. He had told her, she said, that he was very popular and a track star at school. She said he gave her gin and Dr. Pepper to drink, which she did. He also convinced her to take two pills, she reported. She told the detective she took one pill and smoked marijuana.

The woman said she rested on Fitzpatrick’s bed because she was feeling nauseous. She said Fitzpatrick then took off his clothes and he removed her clothes. She said he had sex with her, although she told him to stop several times. After sex, she said she needed to go home because she was “really messed up,” according to the Sheriff’s Office report.

She had trouble walking, and he walked her to her car, she reported. He drove her car, and she told Fitzpatrick she wanted to go to the hospital because she felt so bad. She said he refused and told her that she was high and drunk. She said Fitzpatrick dropped her off on the side of the road and got a ride from a friend, according to the report.

Detectives obtained a warrant to search Fitzpatrick’s home and recovered several items, including a marijuana grinder and pills. Officials said the seized items were sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratory for testing; Fitzpatrick could face additional charges if the test comes back positive for drugs.

Kevin Christian, spokesman for Marion County Public Schools, said he could not discuss specifics on the case, but he said typically when students get in legal trouble, the case has to be resolved first while the student is placed in alternative schooling.

The Star-Banner has written several stories on Fitzpatrick’s track achievements. He has been named the Star-Banner’s Runner of the Year twice. One article states that, as a 9-year-old, he held the No. 1 running times in the country in the 1,500 meter and 3,000 meter. As a 13-year-old, he had the No. 1 national ranking in the 1,500 meter and was No. 4 in the 3000 meter.

Fitzpatrick also captured state championships as a middle school runner. The Star-Banner reported that he has set state records in the 1,500 meter and the 3,000 meter.

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