MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) –Sept. 24, 2025, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detective arrested 52-year-old Gregory Ford for Sexual Battery of a Victim between 16 and 17 Years of Age.

On September 3, 2025, the MCSO detective was made aware of sexual battery allegations that were originally reported to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama. The juvenile victim disclosed that she had been involved in a sexual relationship with Ford for about two years. This occurred while she was traveling with Ford, an equine veterinarian who provides services to farms throughout the United States. Since Ford was sexually battering the juvenile victim while traveling around the country, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, was also involved in the investigation.

On September 19, 2025, the MCSO detective received information from an FBI agent documenting the child victim’s disclosure of sexual abuse that occurred in May 2025 at Ford’s residence in Marion County, located at 15221 NW 112^th Place Road, in Morriston. The victim provided specific details about the incidents of sexual abuse and disclosed that she and Ford exchanged sexually explicit images when they were not together. Through the investigation, the MCSO detective also 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. Due to Ford being a traveling veterinarian and living in Houston, Texas, a warrant was obtained for Ford’s arrest.

Yesterday, Ford’s vehicle was located within Marion County. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he remains without bond.

Due to the nature of these crimes and the traveling nature of his profession, MCSO Major Crimes detectives and the FBI believe Ford may have additional victims across the United States. Anyone with information about other potential victims is asked to contact MCSO Detective Josue Rivera at (352) 369-6749.