Former Tucson Police officer arrested for child pornography

In March 2013, the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit initiated an investigation into the online sharing and distribution of child pornography in the Tucson area. Detectives identified an online user on the eastside of Tucson sharing multiple files of investigative interest. The investigation led them to a residence in the 9200 block of East Palm Tree Drive.

On May 9, 2013, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search, multiple videos depicting child pornography were located. Detectives identified the suspect as 29-year old Martin Ward. On May 10, 2013, an arrest warrant was obtained for Mr. Ward for 1 count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

Ward a former Tucson police officer has been arrested following a months-long investigation into the online sharing of child pornography.

Tucson police say agents with the U.S. Marshals Service helped track Ward to a motel in Prescott, where he was arrested late Friday. He’s being held on a charge of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Mr. Ward was hired by Tucson Police in April 2007. In December 2012, Mr. Ward resigned in lieu of termination as the result of an unrelated internal investigation.