Homeless sexual offender arrested for indecent exposure and shoplifting

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Scotty Lee Oats Jr., 32, was arrested yesterday after allegedly exposing himself in two different stores and stealing a fountain drink.

A Gainesville Police Department officer reported that at about 1:25 p.m. on April 14, Oats allegedly stripped completely nude while standing in front of the Circle K at 1515 North Main Street and replaced his pants with a “cutout shirt” that did not cover his genitals. He then went inside the convenience store, selected a fountain drink, and approached the counter; several employees reportedly saw Oats’ genitals hanging out of the “makeshift shirt shorts” and yelled at him to cover himself. Oats allegedly argued with the staff and walked out without paying for the drink.

Oats reportedly walked across Main Street and then walked south before entering another store; a witness in that store told the officer that she could clearly see Oats’ genitals as he entered the business.

The officer reported that the incident at Circle K was captured on surveillance video.

Oats, who is described as homeless in court documents, has been charged with petit theft with two or more prior convictions (a felony) and indecent exposure. He has one felony conviction for possession of child pornography and is a registered sexual offender; he has eight misdemeanor convictions (one violent). He has served one state prison sentence and was released in June 2025. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $50,000.

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.