A child sexual abuse investigation that originated in Lauderdale County, Alabama, culminated in an arrest nearly 700 miles away in Florida, as reported by WAAY 31. On September 3, a detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Florida received a notification regarding allegations of sexual battery that had initially been reported to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office.
On Wednesday, authorities apprehended 52-year-old Gregory Ford, an equine veterinarian known for traveling to various farms across the United States, on charges of sexual battery involving a victim aged between 16 and 17 years. The investigation uncovered that the victim had been engaged in a sexual relationship with Ford for approximately two years while accompanying him on his travels.
Due to the nature of the case, which spanned multiple states, the FBI became involved in the investigation. Furthermore, it was revealed that Ford had exchanged sexually explicit images with the victim and had sent messages to her family in which he confessed to the abuse. Ford, who is a resident of Houston, Texas, was located in Marion County, Florida, where he was taken into custody. He is currently being held in the Marion County Jail without the possibility of bond.
Authorities are cautioning that there may be additional victims across the country and are urging anyone with relevant information to reach out to Detective Rivera at 352-369-6749.