Man with Several Marion County Convictions Arrested for Battering Woman at Grace Marketplace

Update | March 26, 2026:

On January 6, 2026, Willie Tarver was convicted in a no contest plea deal and sentenced to three years in prison with roughly a year of credit for time served.

Records from the Florida Department of Corrections show Tarver has served three prior prison sentences.

Willie James Tarver, 40, was arrested on February 8, 2025 and charged with felony battery by a repeat offender.

The arrest report states a Grace Marketplace employee called 911, stating Tarver pushed, slapped, and pulled the victim’s hair after getting into an argument with her at the homeless shelter. The employee reported that the victim screamed for help during the altercation.

The employee observed Tarver walking into the woods nearby with the victim following behind. 

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Officer Benjamin Mullins reported that police contacted Tarver to find him being verbally hostile towards the victim as he stood over her while she sat on the ground crying.

Both Tarver and the victim denied that a physical altercation occurred. 

Mullins reported that the victim had physical injuries. 

Tarver's bond is set at $20,000.

Tarver has an extensive criminal history in Marion County, with convictions for attempted robbery with a firearm, battery, assault, false imprisonment, and cocaine distribution within 1,000 feet of a school. 

Edited | March 26, 2025: Added more details from arrest report