MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A traveling veterinarian arrested in Marion County stands accused of sexually battering a teen.
Gregory Ford, 52, was taken into custody on Thursday.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, detectives were notified by the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama of the sex battery allegations involving a teen who said she has been in a “sexual relationship” with Ford for the last two years.
The victim told authorities about the abuse, which happened while she was traveling with Ford, an equine veterinarian who travels to different farms in the U.S. to offer services.
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According to an arrest affidavit, the victim worked as his assistant. Because the alleged abuse happened while the two were traveling throughout the U.S., the FBI was involved in the investigation.
The sheriff’s office said the victim reported sexual abuse that happened at Ford’s residence in Morriston in May.
Marion County detectives learned that “Ford sent messages to the victim’s family, in which he admitted to the ongoing sexual abuse, expressed his love, desire to marry the child victim, and stated he would never regret the way they cared for each other.”
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Due to Ford being a traveling veterinarian and living in Houston, Texas, a warrant was obtained in Marion County for Ford’s arrest.
Due to the nature of the crimes and the traveling aspect of his job, the sheriff’s office and FBI believe there may be additional victims across the U.S.
Anyone with information about other potential victims is asked to contact Detective Rivera at 352-369-6749.