Former Pueblo County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested on Child Sexual Assault and Exploitation Charges

Description: The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and terminated a former detention deputy following an investigation into alleged sexual assault of a child and possession of child sexual abuse material. Read the Full Arrest Report from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office...

Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Former Deputy for Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Material

PUEBLO COUNTY, CO — In late December 2025, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office received a report alleging a sheriff’s deputy sexually assaulted a child. Upon receiving the report, the Sheriff’s Office immediately initiated an internal investigation and a criminal investigation, assigned detectives to the case, and placed the deputy on administrative leave.

The internal investigation addresses employment-related matters, including compliance with agency policies and standards, while the criminal investigation addresses potential violations of criminal law. These investigations are conducted separately and concurrently to ensure due process, accountability, and the integrity of the criminal case.

During the investigation, detectives identified two child victims, with the most recent incident occurring in 2020. As the investigation progressed, detectives also determined the deputy was in possession of child sexual abuse material. Multiple electronic devices were seized and examined, resulting in the discovery of a substantial and extensive volume of child sexual abuse material.

Detectives conducted multiple interviews and executed multiple search warrants as part of the investigation. Based on the findings, Andrew Ward, a detention deputy assigned to Transportation, was terminated from employment with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office on January 14, 2026. An arrest warrant was issued for Ward today and he was subsequently arrested and he's currently being held without bond.

Ward was employed with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office from June 2, 2014, until his termination.

Ward was arrested on the following charges:

• Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust, C.R.S. 18-3-405.3(1), 2 counts, Class 3 felony

• Sexual Exploitation of a Child, C.R.S. 18-6-403(3)(b.5), 8 counts, Class 4 felony

• Sexual Exploitation of a Child, C.R.S. 18-6-403(3)(b.5), 5 counts, Class 5 felony

Ward was booked into the Pueblo County Jail on a no-bond warrant.

“The allegations in this case are deeply troubling, and my foremost concern is for the victims,” said Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero. “When these allegations were brought to our attention, immediate action was taken. This individual was placed on administrative leave, a thorough investigation was initiated, and the case was pursued without hesitation. This type of conduct has no place in this agency or in our community, and we remain committed to holding individuals accountable while protecting the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of the victims.”

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office takes allegations of this nature extremely seriously. The conduct alleged in this case violates the law and stands in direct contradiction to the values, ethics, and standards expected of those entrusted with public service. Allegations involving members of this agency are investigated thoroughly and without exception.

Due to the ongoing criminal case and to protect the privacy of the victims, no additional information will be released at this time.

All Parties Considered Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law. 

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