OCALA, Fla. — A 53-year-old Morriston veterinarian has been arrested following a federal indictment accusing him of transporting minors across state lines for illegal sexual activity and sending a threatening text message to another victim.
Federal prosecutors allege that Gregory Ford transported two minor victims between October 16, 2024, and May 16, 2025, with the intent to engage in sexual activity. In a separate allegation, authorities say Ford sent a text message on September 23, 2025, that contained a credible threat to injure a third victim.
Ford faces three counts of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity. Each of those charges carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life. He is also charged with one count of sending threatening communications, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
According to the indictment, federal authorities are also seeking forfeiture of Ford’s Morriston home, alleging it was used in connection with the crimes.
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. It is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including agents from its Birmingham and Jacksonville divisions, with assistance from the Ocala Resident Agency.
Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson, while forfeiture proceedings are being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
Officials said the case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates federal, state, and local resources to identify victims, apprehend offenders, and pursue prosecution.
An indictment is a formal charge and not evidence of guilt. Ford is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
