Traveling Veterinarian Arrested in Florida on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

A child sexual abuse investigation that began in Lauderdale County, Alabama, ended with an arrest nearly 700 miles away in Florida, according to reporting by WAAY 31. On September 3, a detective with the Marion County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office was notified of sexual battery allegations originally reported to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office. On Wednesday, authorities arrested 52-year-old Gregory Ford, an equine veterinarian who travels to farms across the United States, for sexual battery of a victim between 16 and 17 years old. The investigation revealed the victim had been involved in a sexual relationship with Ford for about two years while traveling with him. Deputies say the FBI assisted because the alleged abuse occurred across multiple states. In addition, authorities report that Ford exchanged sexually explicit images with the victim and sent messages to her family admitting to the abuse. Ford, who resides in Houston, Texas, was located in Marion County, Florida, and taken into custody. He remains in the Marion County Jail without bond. Investigators warn there may be additional victims nationwide and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Rivera at 352-369-6749.