Touring veterinarian charged after grooming a 15-year-old who labored for him, cops say

A Houston-based touring veterinarian is accused of grooming a 15-year-old woman he employed at his observe and sexually abusing her whereas taking her alongside on journeys for work.

Now, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office says the latest arrest of 52-year-old Gregory Ford in Florida could also be related to different victims throughout the nation.

In August, the teenager’s mom filed a report with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department in Alabama, alleging her daughter had been in a sexual relationship with Ford after beginning work at his veterinary observe, ABC13 reported.

She advised deputies that she found sexually express messages between her daughter and Ford on the teenager’s cellphone, which included conversations about plans to have intercourse.

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After the report was filed, Ford allegedly tried to intimidate the household into dropping the case, ABC13 reported.

He allegedly despatched the teenager’s mom a message that learn: “If you choose to continue your crusade, I have already paid a dear friend from the CIA to long rifle a bullet in your chest.”

That identical day, investigators stated Ford left a voicemail for the teenager, telling her: “I dated, I married, and I never knew true love, and how special a heart could be until I met yours.”

When the teenager was interviewed by investigators, she allegedly admitted she and Ford had intercourse three or 4 instances and exchanged nude photos. The photographs have been despatched whereas she was in Alabama and Ford was working in different states, in accordance with an arrest affidavit.

Ford was arrested on September 23 and stays in jail with out bond, in accordance with online jail records.

Investigators consider there could also be extra victims as a consequence of Ford’s work journey. He makes a speciality of efficiency horse care, and whereas his enterprise is predicated in Houston, investigators stated he travels regularly to reveals, races, and personal calls throughout a number of states, together with Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Alabama and Mississippi.

Anyone with details about the case is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.