The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office reported the apprehension of former Windsor resident, 66-year-old Richard Leslie Ward II, for a series of crimes dating back to the 1990s.
After victims voiced concerns that Ward may still engage in criminal activities, the Windsor Police Department initiated an investigation on July 31. Their efforts uncovered substantial evidence and, with a collaboration with the Sheriff's Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit (DVSA), led to obtaining an arrest warrant on August 13. With a bail set at $2,000,000 due to the alleged crimes' severity, detectives secured Ward's arrest with the aid of the Ada County Sheriff's Office in Boise, Idaho, the next day.
Currently detained in the Ada County Jail, Ward awaits extradition to Sonoma County to face seven felony charges. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office greatly commended the Ada County Sheriff's Office for their aid in this sensitive matter, as stated by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.
While information about sex crimes is typically kept confidential to protect the identities of victims, the Sheriff’s Office has made an exception in this case, given the concern for other potential victims. They have publicized Ward's booking photo and requested that those who may have fallen prey to come forward.
