(March 17) On Friday, August 6, 2021, the Aurora Police Department received a report pertaining to allegations of child exploitation involving Darnell Ward (DOB: 02/21/1978). The investigation confirmed the allegations of the original victim and investigators learned of two other additional victims.
The investigation determined that Ward occasionally was a parent spectator at Overland High School girls’ basketball games and would help record scores for the game. However, he was not an official volunteer. It is believed Ward also has helped with sporting events in the Denver Metro area schools. Based on Ward’s history and past allegations, Investigators believe there are additional victims who have been victimized by Ward and have not yet reported it.
On Wednesday, March 9, 2022, Ward was arrested for charges related to Child Exploitation and Sexual Assault in Phoenix, Arizona. Since his arrest, Ward has been extradited to Colorado. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting this case, and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Our Victim Services Unit is working closely with the families to offer support and help them work through this difficult event.
If there are any additional victims who are wishing to report to the police, they are asked to call Police Dispatch at (303) 627-3100 immediately. Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to call the Internet Crimes Against Children at 303.739.6711.
Ward is pictured below:
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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