High School Teacher, Wife of Department of Defense Employee, Arrested in Alleged Sexual Abuse Incident
Details of the Incident
A high school teacher, identified as Erin Ward, was recently taken into custody after being accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old student. The incident allegedly took place in a car belonging to Erin and her spouse. Erin Ward, a 45-year-old married woman, has been arrested on one count of felony sexual abuse by a school employee.
Connection to Department of Defense
According to information provided by local law enforcement and government officials, Erin Ward’s husband, William ‘Doug’ Ward, is an employee of the U.S Department of Defense. The Department, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is a military unit with the mission of detecting and deterring attacks against the U.S and its allies. Their work encompasses nuclear deterrence, space, and cyberspace capabilities.
Additional Details
Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson revealed that the vehicle involved in the incident is registered to both Erin Ward and her husband. The exact position or formal title of William Ward within the Department of Defense has not been disclosed.
Confirmation by USSTRATCOM
While officials from the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) confirmed that a civilian employee named William Ward works for the agency, they neither confirmed nor denied his relation to the arrested teacher. USSTRATCOM, responsible for military operations related to space and cyberspace capabilities, did not provide further details regarding Ward’s position or role.
Rumored Social Media Photos
Photos circulating on social media allegedly show the couple together, with Erin Ward’s mugshot accompanied by a man who bears a resemblance to Doug Ward as seen in his Defense Department bio page photo.
Recent Similar Incidents at USSTRATCOM
Last month, a retired U.S Air Force colonel, who was previously assigned to USSTRATCOM, was arrested and charged with transmitting top-secret defense information on a foreign online dating platform. The colonel had shared classified information with someone posing as a potential partner.
Impact on Omaha Public Schools
Erin Ward had been working as a substitute teacher at Omaha Public Schools since September 2023. The school district confirmed that she was not considered a full-time or part-time employee. Authorities have mentioned that she will not be returning to the school or any other schools within the district.
Doug Ward’s Professional Background
Besides his connection to the U.S Department of Defense, Doug Ward also works for the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Previously, he served as a U.S Air Force intelligence officer for two years, specifically as a chemical and biological warfare intelligence analyst.
Legal Proceedings and Release
Erin Ward remained in jail until a recent court hearing, during which her bond was set at $25,000. The availability of her bond status and whether she has acquired legal representation remain unknown as of now.
Further Information
Any individual with additional information regarding Erin Ward or the incident is encouraged to contact the Douglas County sheriff’s office.
This article was written by a Senior Reporter for USA TODAY, Natalie Neysa Alund. For any inquiries, reach out to [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.
