Editor's Note: This statement was provided to The Columbian-Progress by former Columbia Police Department Desk Sgt. Delta Ward regarding a Jan. 30, 2024 incident alleging her of sexual misconduct during a search of two female civilians. The two females have filed a civil lawsuit in federal court against Ward, former CPD Officer James "Jamie" Moulds, former Police Chief Michael Kelly, the City of Columbia, former CPD Lt. Chris Bush, former Crime Suppression Commander Lance Poirer and Officer Austin Riels. Ward denies the claims alleged in the lawsuit.
I am Officer Delta Ward, formerly of the City of Columbia Police Department.
I feel compelled to make a statement regarding a recent lawsuit alleging misconduct on my part.
To start, I want everyone to know that I was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation and review by the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen.
Some recent social media posts have made false statements and have slandered my name over this matter.
Since affording people their right to innocence until proven guilty seems to be a thing of the past, please allow me to interject some FACTS about this incident.
On the day in question, the subject was pulled over in a routine traffic stop. The reporting officer asked for and received consent to search the vehicle, to which the driver agreed. Once contraband was found in the vehicle, they proceeded to ask for consent to perform a body search of the four occupants (two males and two females), to which they all agreed.
This is when I was first notified and called to the scene — to search the female occupants.
At the time of my employment at the police department, I was a Certified Police Officer performing Desk Sergeant duties ONLY. But as all officers are required, I was doing what my superiors asked of me.
When I arrived on the scene, I politely introduced myself to the female subjects and proceeded to ask the driver to step with me to a private location so I could perform the search of her body.
I then placed a set of latex gloves on before performing a “palm down” search of the undergarment, which is the standard technique used by law enforcement to minimize these types of accusations.
This is the ONLY technique I have EVER used.
Once I determined she did not have contraband, I was then instructed to perform the same search on the other female.
At that time, I discarded the used gloves and got a new set to search the second subject. Again, no contraband was found.
So, for anyone who doubts these facts, there is available camera footage to corroborate my statement.
Like I said before, this matter has been investigated and reviewed by the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen. I was told that I was in compliance with the law and was cleared of wrongdoing.
Anyone who assumes that I acted outside of professionalism is misinformed, and in some recent posts, it seems malicious.
I am an officer of integrity, and I have served my community well.
