04/04/2026
PRESS RELEASE: April 3, 2026
County Seeks Investigation into Sheriff’s Office for Potential Violations of Law Arising from the Sale of County Ammunition
Over the last two years, the Curry County Board of Commissioners has been requesting the cooperation of the County Sheriff to answer questions that have great impact on County operations. Sheriff John Ward has refused requests for information and has refused to publicly meet with the Board of Commissioners since Commissioner Patrick Hollinger requested a full audit of the Curry County Sheriff’s Office in the fall of 2024.
Former reserve deputy and Commissioner Brad Alcorn reported that the Sheriff offered him the opportunity to purchase county ammunition in 2020. Prior to proceeding, he had asked a commanding officer if it was legal and was assured that it was and that it was standard practice. Subsequently, Alcorn became concerned that it was not in fact legal and reported it after being reminded of the scenario while unpacking and seeing a case of ammunition that he purchased from the County. When Sheriff Ward was asked about this, he stated that the purchases were made for training and that no county funds were used. The evidence does not support this statement. The ammunition was sold to individuals for private use.
Curry County pays for all training and duty ammunition for all certified deputies. Records show that, in December of 2020, the Curry County Sheriff’s Office separately purchased and paid for more than $10,000.00 of ammunition which was subsequently sold to both members of the Sheriff’s Office and community members at a discounted government rate not available to the public, while not accounting for over $500.00 in shipping fees ultimately subsidized by County taxpayers for personal ammunition purchases.
Public officials are prohibited from using their position or government purchasing contracts for personal purchases or for personal gain, or otherwise from using their position to avoid financial detriment. The sale of ammunition at a discounted government rate, to members of the public as well as individuals employed by the County could constitute a violation of ORS 244.040 (1), ORS 162.415 and ORS 164.045. This matter has been referred to authorities for further investigation.
In December 2025, the Board of Commissioners successfully filed suit and received a judgment compelling Sheriff Ward to comply with Board requests for information, including an inventory of all assets. Sheriff Ward, however, continues to withhold vital information from the Board of Commissioners. The Board is continuing to pursue the enforcement of that judgment through the judicial system.
If you have any questions, please contact County Counsel at [email protected].
