Turner’s ex-aide admits to misusing city property
Former press secretary’s plea deal includes 30 hours of community service, $500 fine
Mayor Sylvester Turner’s former press secretary on Tuesday pleaded guilty to new charges that she abused her official capacity by using her government computer, cellphone and email account for a private enterprise.
Darian Ward, who also was charged last July with refusing to turn over public records, entered the plea in state district court Tuesday. The 56-year-old resigned her city post in January.
The plea bargain puts Ward on pre-trial diversion, which is an informal probation for misusing government property to obtain a benefit. The value of benefits derived from her misuse from March 22, 2014 to Nov. 15, 2017 was estimated to be at least $750 and less than $2,500.
“Our democracy depends on the accountability of public offi-
cials to the people they represent,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said. “When the evidence shows misuse of government resources, we prosecute.”
After signing off on the deal, Ward issued a public apology to the city of Houston and Turner.
“My intention was pure,” she said. “However, I let my desire get in the way of my good judgment.”
Ward said she had intended to create TV and film content “to elevate Houston to a national platform.”
She noted that over the past 20 years, she has raised more than $500,000 for college scholarships, mentored young girls and helped religious organizations and nonprofits.
“This year has been a roller coaster, but I’ve come out better,” she said.
Ward’s attorney, Chris Tritico said his client admitted guilt in misusing her time and government computer while working with vendors for her marketing company.
“It was a very successful conclusion for her,” Tritico said. “When it’s all said and done, she’ll have no record.”
He said the process was painful for Ward.
“I think it’s cost her a lot,” Tritico said. “She’s spent a year under the microscope and she’s paying the price for that.”
If she successfully completes the one-year probation, she can apply to work in government again, he said.
If she fails the probation requirements, the document she signed admitting her guilt would be used to convict of her of a Class A misdemeanor, which means she would face up to a year in jail.
The plea deal was approved by state District Judge Katherine Cabaniss Parsley.
The charge of abuse of official capacity, filed Monday, is the second allegation of misconduct connected to her employment at city hall.
In July, she was charged with failing to turn over roughly 5,000 pages of emails about personal business activities sent or received on her City of Houston email account in response to an open records request by a reporter.
That charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Assistant Harris County District Attorney Stuart Tallichet said Ward has to complete 30 hours of community service and pay a $500 fine. After she completes the probation and waits another year, he said, she can apply to have her records expunged.