Christopher Ward, a former Ohio State Patrol Trooper, was charged in February 2019 with inapropriate sexual conduct with an adult in 2015 and a minor in 2018. He pleaded not guilty to those charges and recieved no disciplinary action other than training (Dayton Daily News).

Curently, in December 2019, Ward is being charged yet again, but this time, six victims have come forward, one of which being a minor (WOSU Public Media). The alleged assaults occured within the course of his employment. The 45-year-old has been charged with five counts of gross sexual imposition and two counts of sexual battery.

In 2015, there was an incident in which Ward was accused, when a woman said Ward groped her when he patted her down during a traffic stop on U.S. 35. According to WHIO, The women claimed that “when he got between my legs, he wouldn’t stop.” The incident is said to be documented or recorded, but it has not been confirmed. Following the incident, Ward was terminated from his job.

There have also been accusations where Ward was off the job when the incidents happened.

Ward’s trial began on December 10, and he was found guilty on four counts regarding sex crimes in Preble County Common Pleas Court. The former patrolman was found guilty of one count of sexual battery and three counts of gross sexual imposition. However, he was found not guilty of one count of sexual battery and two counts of gross sexual imposition. His sentencing date is tentatively scheduled for January 16, 2020, according to Steve Irwin of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office (WDTN).