Ohio State Trooper Accused Of Sexual Battery, Sexual Imposition

New charges have been filed against Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Christopher Ward, accusing him of sexual battery and gross sexual imposition. Three of Ward's victims were assaulted while he was on the job, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said.

“These additional charges speak to a behavior of repeated, predatory sexual assault,” Yost said. “Our call for victims to speak out has been answered as more women have come forward – but at every turn, this story grows more tragic.”

In early 2019, Yost's office announced it was investigating Ward for his behavior while working for the Highway Patrol and his actions off-duty. He was initially accused of having forced sexual contact with an adult, while working, on Jan. 17, 2015. He was also accused of having sexual contact with a minor while off-duty on March 17, 2018.

In February, Yost issued a plea for other possible victims to come forward with their stories. He said his office was prepared to use all of its resources to investigate any accusations. Five months later, the accusations against Ward have multiplied.

On Monday, a Preble County grand jury added additional indictments to the accusations against Ward. The former trooper now faces two counts of sexual battery, with a sexually violent predator specification. A previous misdemeanor charge was increased to a felony gross sexual imposition.

Yost said his office is still investigating Ward.