EATON — The trial for former Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper Christopher Ward, who is accused of multiple sex crimes, continued Thursday with testimony from alleged victims.
- Ward is charged with 5 counts of gross sexual imposition, 2 counts of sexual battery
- There are six accusers, including a minor
- Prosecutors say Ward "used his authority to sexually abuse these women"
- Defense attorney says evidence will show Ward is innocent
- Ward will testify on his own behalf, defense lawyer says
>> DAY 1 COVERAGE: Defendant Ward rejected plea deal for fewer criminal counts
UPDATE @ 11 a.m.:
The trial for Christopher Ward resumed just after 9 a.m. Thursday with testimony from a now 31-year-old woman who told the court a pat down by Ward was over aggressive.
A second alleged victim also took the stand and described an encounter with Ward she described as “sexually aggressive.”
The second person to testify said Ward stopped her in 2007 while he was on duty as a state trooper. She said Ward gave her his personal phone number and the two eventually went on a dinner date.
After the dinner date, the woman said Ward became “sexually aggressive” and touched her inappropriately while at his home.
The alleged victim said she left Ward’s house and didn’t have any further contact with the now former state trooper.
