Houston Veterinarian Charged with Sexual Battery, Potential for Dozens More Victims Emerges
A traveling veterinarian based in Houston, Texas, has been arrested adn charged with sexual battery of a minor in Florida, sparking a widening inquiry that suggests dozens of other young women may have been targeted.
A 52-year-old Gregory Ford was taken into custody in September by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office following allegations of sexual battery involving a victim between the ages of 16 and 17. The case has rapidly expanded as authorities and legal representatives report a surge in potential victims coming forward.
The initial report stemmed from a mother in Alabama who contacted law enforcement after discovering a concerning relationship between her daughter and Ford. According to the mother’s account, her daughter began working at Ford’s veterinary practice at age 15.
“Dr.Ford was actually very good friends with the parents of this young girl,” explained Spencer Kuvin, chief legal officer and litigation director at GOLDLAW, who is representing the victim. “It’s one of the reasons why the parents felt comfortable with having their child, who at the time was 16, intern with Dr. Ford and travel with him from time to time to go to these different events so that she could get trained as a veterinary technician.”
Ford’s practice centered around performance horse care, requiring extensive travel to shows, races, and events across multiple states, including georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi. He was particularly active within the barrel racing community.
“Dr.Ford was heavily involved in the barrel racing world,” Kuvin stated. “He woudl travel and he would have one or two or maybe even three young girls that would go and assist and become veterinary technicians for the show.”
The investigation gained momentum after the teen’s mother discovered sexually explicit text messages between her daughter and Ford on the girl’s cellphone. The daughter subsequently admitted to law enforcement that she had engaged in sexual activity with Ford on three or four occasions.
Kuvin detailed the emotional turmoil experienced by the victim. “Initially, the young girl thought she was in love. So,she was upset at her mother. She was mad. She was scared. She was frustrated,” he said. “Her anger turned away from her mother and toward Dr. Ford, realizing what he had done and how he had manipulated her.”
Law enforcement officials beleive Ford’s itinerant profession considerably increased the potential for additional victims across the country. Since the initial charges, Kuvin has personally spoken with at least four other women who allege similar experiences with Ford.
“Through our discussions with the FBI, who are continuing this investigation and the hotline that they’ve set up, we’ve uncovered that there could be upwards of anywhere between 12 to 15 potential victims of Dr.Ford over the years,” Kuvin revealed.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any additional victims or charges,but the investigation is ongoing. Kuvin indicated a pattern of behavior, stating, “There were a number of young girls that were receiving the exact same messaging from Dr. Ford.”
A statement allegedly written by the teenager involved in the Florida case, shared with ABC13, powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of Ford’s alleged actions: “What should have been a positive, career-building experience was turned into something deeply damaging and harmful.”
Kuvin emphasized the importance of supporting victims of sexual abuse, noting that they frequently enough struggle with self-blame. “While you might feel guilty and you might feel upset about what happened and feel like there’s some blame on you, there’s not,” he asserted. “It’s not your fault.”
Ford is currently being held in jail in Florida, awaiting his arraignment, which is scheduled for October 28. The FBI is actively encouraging anyone with information related to this case to come forward.
Did you know? – The investigation is ongoing and the FBI has set up a hotline for anyone with information.
Pro tip: – If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, seek help from a trusted source or law enforcement.
reader question: – What is the role of the FBI in this investigation?
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