A shocking case from Ocala, Florida, has garnered national attention as newly released audio recordings provide deeper insights into the disturbing allegations against Alexis Van Yates, a 35-year-old registered nurse. Van Yates pleaded guilty to sexually abusing her 15-year-old stepson during the summer of 2024, a situation that unfolded in a heart-wrenching manner.
The case began in July 2024 when authorities received an anonymous tip suggesting that Van Yates had been involved in sexual acts with her stepson while his father, who works night shifts, was away. Initially, the boy’s father denied the allegations when questioned by deputies, describing his son as troubled and suggesting that the claims were unfounded. However, the unfolding investigation revealed a far more complex and troubling narrative.
In the newly released audio, the boy’s father recounts the moment he walked in on a deeply disturbing scene. He described entering his home to find his wife in a compromising position with his son, leading to a tumultuous confrontation. The recordings capture his shock and anger as he exclaimed, “What the f*** is going on?” The incident left him reeling, and he expressed regret for not reporting the situation to the authorities immediately.
According to the arrest affidavit, the boy revealed that the inappropriate relationship had escalated over time, starting with sexual jokes and comments made by Van Yates. The teen admitted to having developed an infatuation with her, which eventually led to sexual contact between them. On the night of the incident, after engaging in sexual acts, they were interrupted when the boy’s father returned home unexpectedly.
In the aftermath, the boy attempted to disclose the abuse to family members, but he faced discouragement, with relatives urging him not to speak about it. This led him to feel isolated and unsupported. The father later expressed his disillusionment, stating that he felt his own reaction was inadequate in addressing the gravity of the abuse.
As the investigation progressed, Alexis Van Yates was arrested in November 2024. Her initial confusion during the arrest quickly turned to evasiveness, as she insisted on speaking only with her lawyer. The body cam footage from deputies captured her distress as she grappled with the reality of the accusations against her, claiming that the situation was a gross misunderstanding.
Ultimately, Van Yates was charged with lewd and lascivious battery, which prosecutors later upgraded to sexual battery by a person in familial custody, a serious felony that could carry a life sentence. In April 2025, the Florida Department of Health suspended her nursing license, citing her actions as a serious threat to public safety and health.
In a plea deal reached in September 2025, Van Yates pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of lewd or lascivious battery on a child aged 12 to 16. She was sentenced to two years in state prison, followed by 10 years of probation, and mandated to register as a sex offender. During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the need to spare the victim from further trauma, acknowledging the profound impact of the abuse on both the boy and his family.
The fallout from this case has been severe, with the victim’s mother describing Van Yates as a coward and an incestuous pedophile. She also highlighted the damage done to her son’s relationship with his father, stating that they had not communicated since the incident.
Alexis Van Yates, once a trusted healthcare professional, now faces the consequences of her actions as a convicted sex offender, stripped of her career and reputation. The case serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by minors and the devastating effects of such abuses within families.
