The Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association has permanently expelled Curry County Sheriff John Ward from its Board of Directors following an investigation into alleged misconduct involving donations from a local nonprofit organization.
According to the OSSA, the Curry County Board of Commissioners recently completed an investigation concerning Ward’s handling of donations from the John G. Atkins Foundation. The investigation concluded that Ward had been untruthful about the donations and had used Foundation funds for personal purposes.
After learning of the findings, the OSSA Executive Committee determined that the association’s bylaws required its Board of Directors to consider whether Ward’s position should be temporarily suspended or permanently revoked.
Ward was notified that the matter would be considered during a special OSSA Board meeting on Aug. 24, 2026. He was also given an opportunity to address the board before a decision was made, but the association said Ward did not appear at the meeting to provide a statement.
The board ultimately voted on a motion to permanently expel Ward from serving as an OSSA director. The motion passed unanimously, with 28 Oregon sheriffs voting.
Ward was immediately removed from the OSSA Board of Directors and will no longer participate in the organization’s operations, according to the association.
The Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1916. The organization provides training and support to Oregon sheriffs and their offices.
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