Homeless man arrested for false imprisonment and battery

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – John Lee Stephens, Jr., 35, was arrested late last night and charged with false imprisonment and simple battery after allegedly holding a woman against her will.

A Gainesville Police Department officer responded to the Stayable Select motel on SW 13th Street at about 11 p.m. last night and spoke with the victim, who reportedly said that Stephens had forced her to remain in the room against her will by physically holding her down.

Stephens, whose address is listed as GRACE Marketplace, has two felony convictions, one of which was for sexual battery using force or a weapon. He was released from prison in May 2022. Judge David Kreider set bail at $100,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.