Rather than face a Bibb County jury on his First-Degree Vehicular Homicide charge, Gregory Lee Ford, 68 years old, pled Guilty as charged in Bibb Superior Court. This fatal incident occurred on February 11, 2021, when Ford, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time and traveling at a speed of 85 mph, ran the stop sign at the intersection of Industrial Highway and Liberty Church Road. He struck R. L. Brown Jr.’s vehicle on the driver’s side door. Mr. Brown died from his injuries. Shortly after the crash, Ford’s blood alcohol level tested at 0.16, which is twice the legal limit. Ford chose to enter a blind plea, which means he did not have an agreement with prosecutors. Prosecutors asked for 15 years to be served in prison, and the judge sentenced Ford to 15 years, with the first 10 to be served in prison.
“Drinking and driving can produce deadly consequences, and those who choose to do so will be held accountable for the harm they bring to others,” said District Attorney Anita Howard.
The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office thanks the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for its work in investigating this tragic event and for helping to bring a measure of justice to the victim’s family.