FORT MYERS, Florida — A 34-year-old Port Charlotte man has pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
James Gregory Ford faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, in October 2025, Ford communicated with a minor via a social media application, requesting nude pictures and videos of the minor and sending a nude picture of himself.
The investigation began after the child’s parent reported the conversations and explicit content found on the minor’s cellphone. On October 28, 2025, law enforcement interviewed Ford, who admitted to the inappropriate exchanges and initiating contact with the minor. A forensic examination of Ford’s cellphone confirmed the presence of explicit images and videos of the minor…