Ex-trooper got training instead of discipline

Ward has since been charged with sex crimes.

A former Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper now charged with sex crimes was not disciplined after an internal investigation into a 2015 traffic stop and his search of a woman that later led to criminal charges.

Christopher Ward, 44, is charged with two counts of gross sexual imposition and a single count of sexual imposition, court records show.

“Ward was not able to clearly articulate the type of search conducted to our investigators,” said OSHP spokesperson Lt. Robert Sellers. “Training in lieu of discipline was conducted to ensure division policies are followed.”

That same traffic stop, which happened on U.S. 35 in Montgomery County on Jan. 17, 2015, ultimately led to the indictment by a Preble County grand jury earlier this month.

The charges stem from two incidents, the January 2015 traffic stop, and another while he was off duty involving a child last March, investigators said.

The investigation into the allegations against Ward followed a referral from Preble County Children’s Services. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office took over the investigation after the Preble County Sheriff ’s Office requested assistance.

Prior to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office’s involvement, the state patrol’s administrative investigation into the 2015 traffic stop was not presented to any local, state or federal prosecutors for consideration of charges, Sellers said.

Sellers said the patrol is unable to answer why Ward was not given discipline for the 2015 traffic stop, when a grand jury returned a criminal indictment against the Preble County man.

“I do not know what evidence or testimony was provided by investigators to secure an indictment,” Sellers said.

Ward was fired by the patrol Feb. 13 for conduct unbecoming of an officer, according to a termination notice.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to exercise Chris’ due process rights,” Ward’s attorney Steven Hobbs previously said.

Ward filed a grievance against the patrol after his firing last week.

According to patrol rules, a member of the patrol can be charged with conduct unbecoming of an officer “for conduct, on or off duty, that may bring discredit to the division and/or of its members or employees.”

A trooper also can be found in violation of the same rule “for committing any crime, offense or violation of the laws of the United States, the state of Ohio, or any municipality.”

Ward has pleaded not guilty to the sex crimes. He is to be back in Preble County Court on March 28.