The Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association took the rare step of expelling one of its own members on Aug. 24, voting 28‑0 to remove Curry County Sheriff John Ward. Seven sheriffs were absent due to scheduling conflicts, and Ward declined both to attend the meeting and to offer a defense.
Background on the investigation
Ward, 68, has been under federal investigation for more than a decade concerning roughly $391,000 in gifts given to his agency by a Brookings‑based foundation. Allegations include converting a $29,880 travel trailer and a $53,000 storage shed to personal use, registering both in his name.
The Curry County Board of Commissioners, which controls the sheriff’s budget, hired an independent investigator. The resulting report cited serious management problems, including the handling of a troubled deputy who later joined the Gold Beach Police Department and was involved in two separate shootings. The report also noted the sheriff’s office used uncertified police dogs, failed to conduct required boat safety inspections on the Rogue River, and missed state‑funded patrol obligations.
State response and potential certification revocation
Following the county’s internal investigation, Curry County referred the matter to the Oregon Department of Justice. In January, the DOJ concluded that none of the 13 allegations rose to the level of prosecutable charges.
Nevertheless, in July the county commissioners forwarded the independent report to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, requesting that Ward’s law‑enforcement certification be revoked.
Impact of the expulsion
Being expelled from the sheriffs’ association carries a symbolic and practical penalty. It signals a loss of confidence from fellow law‑enforcement leaders and cuts off access to association resources, including potential legal assistance. The association, a nonprofit that provides training and promotes a public image of confidence in sheriffs, has only expelled a member once before.
Ward remains an elected official; he won reelection unopposed in 2024. He may continue to serve as Curry County’s sheriff without association membership, though his ability to draw on statewide training and support will be limited.
Ward’s response
Ward has consistently declined to answer questions from the Oregon Journalism Project and has denied any wrongdoing. He did not respond to a request for comment on the expulsion vote.
What this means for Curry County residents
Local citizens now face uncertainty about the leadership of their sheriff’s office. The county’s push for certification revocation suggests a desire for greater accountability and transparency. Residents who rely on the sheriff’s office for public safety, river patrols, and emergency response will be watching closely as the state’s certification board reviews the case.
For now, the expulsion stands as a clear rebuke from Oregon’s law‑enforcement community, underscoring the importance of ethical stewardship of public resources and the need for rigorous oversight of elected officials.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
