September 27, 2025 
Equine veterinarian Dr. Gregory Ford, 52, was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office of Ocala, Florida on Wednesday, September 24 and charged with the sexual battery of a child between the ages of 16-17.
The veterinarian, who resides in Houston, Texas, travels extensively to farms and racetracks across the southern United States for work. Because of this, and the nature of the alleged abuse occurring across state lines, the FBI became involved in the investigation early on.
In addition to the sexual battery charges, the FBI issued federal charges against Ford for threatening communications made to the victim’s mother. A day before his arrest, according to court records obtained by WAFF 48 news for Huntsville, AL, Ford allegedly threatened the woman’s life, stating, in the course of a text exchange, that he had already paid a “dear friend” in the CIA to shoot her.
Sexual abuse allegations were first made on August 21 to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama after the “Jane Doe” victim’s mother discovered sexually explicit exchanges between her and Ford on Jane Doe’s phone. According to a statement released by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Jane Doe disclosed to authorities that she had been in a relationship with Ford for the last two years, while working and traveling with him as veterinary assistant/technician.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Jane Doe provided specific details about the incidents of sexual abuse and disclosed that she and Ford exchanged sexually explicit images when they were not together. Ford had also sent messages to Jane Doe’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.”
On September 19, 2025, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received information from the FBI about a specific sexual abuse that occurred back in May at Ford’s residence in Morristown, Florida. On Wednesday this week, a day after allegedly sending the threatening message to Jane Doe’s mother, Ford’s vehicle was located in Marion County. He was placed under arrest and was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he remains without bond.
According to a biography on his veterinary website, Ford specializes in sport horse medicine and has been in practice for 30 years. An avid polo player, Ford competed in three national championships and was an All-American polo player for Texas A&M University.
On Thursday, Jane Doe posted a now-removed Facebook post detailing her experience. Before it was taken down, the post and had received more than 300 shares and dozens of supportive comments.
Due to the nature of the crimes alleged and the travel required by his profession, Marion County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the FBI believe Ford may have additional victims across the United States. They are asking that anyone with information about other potential victims contact: (352) 369-6749.
If you have a reasonable suspicion of sexual misconduct, make a report electronically to the U.S. Center for SafeSport or call (720) 531-0340.
For more information on sexual abuse in horse sport, visit WeRideTogether.today. Need to talk? The specialized counselors at Athlete Helpline provide crisis intervention, emotional support, connection to resources and reporting guidance Monday through Friday, 12pm to 8pm Pacific Time. Call or text 1-888-279-1026.
