Florida Authorities Investigate Multiple Allegations Against Traveling Veterinarian Following Initial Sexual Battery Charge
A Houston-based veterinarian is facing mounting scrutiny as authorities investigate allegations of sexual misconduct involving multiple young women across several states.Dr. Ford was initially charged with sexual battery of a minor, and as than, at least four additional victims have come forward, according to attorney Brent Kuvin, who represents the first reported victim. The FBI is now involved,operating a hotline to gather facts from potential victims.
Kuvin stated that investigators believe the total number of victims could range from 12 to 15, spanning years of Dr. ford’s professional travel. “Dr. Ford was heavily involved in the barrel racing world,” Kuvin said.”He would 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 criminal complaint details Dr. Ford’s travels to events in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi.
The initial case came to light when the teen’s mother discovered sexually explicit text messages between her daughter and Dr. Ford. The daughter allegedly admitted to law enforcement that she and Ford had engaged in sexual activity three or four times. Initially, the teen struggled to process the abuse, feeling anger toward her mother before realizing the extent of Dr. Ford’s manipulation.
“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,” Kuvin explained. “Her anger turned away from her mother and toward dr. Ford, realizing what he had done and how he had manipulated her.”
Kuvin emphasized that victims often blame themselves in these situations, stating, “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. It’s not your fault.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed additional charges or identified other victims publicly. Dr. Ford remains in jail in Florida, with an arraignment scheduled for October 28. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI hotline.
A statement from the first victim,shared with ABC13,reads,”What should have been a positive,career-building experience was turned into something deeply damaging and harmful.”