Welcome to Arrest Stories. A sixty-four-year-old former Roman Catholic priest who once served in high-ranking government positions under two Louisiana governors has been arrested in Indiana on charges of first-degree rape and kidnapping involving a disabled child. Here's what may have happened.
Mark Francis Ford was taken into custody Thursday in Portage, Indiana, facing serious charges including first-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping, sexual battery, and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The arrest stems from allegations involving a victim with significant disabilities whom Ford allegedly met through his religious ministry work.
According to police reports, Ford co-founded a ministry specifically designed to help children with disabilities. The alleged victim, who uses a wheelchair due to a degenerative spinal cord condition and is on the autism spectrum, was legally determined to be a minor despite reaching the age of majority.
Brian Fair of the US Marshals Service confirmed Ford's arrest following an investigation that began when the alleged victim came forward. As attorney Schubert's client alleges that Ford began abusing him when he was about ten, in two thousand and four.
The timeline reveals a disturbing pattern spanning nearly two decades. The alleged abuse reportedly began in two thousand and four when the victim was approximately ten years old. By two thousand and six, Ford had risen to become assistant director of disability affairs, and two years later was appointed to direct Louisiana's office of Indian affairs, serving under two governors.
The alleged victim reported Ford to New Orleans police in November, ending years of silence. Police reports indicate the abuse allegedly continued until two thousand twenty-two or two thousand twenty-three, after Ford had left the priesthood.
Ford is being held without bail as authorities continue their investigation into these serious allegations involving the exploitation of a vulnerable child through a position of trust and authority.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.