Ex-Houston Press Secretary Indicted In Email Records Scandal

HOUSTON, TX – Darian Ward, former press secretary to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, was indicted Thursday by a Harris County grand jury on a charge that she failed to release public information. If convicted, she could spend six months in jail and pay a fine of up to $1,000.

Ward, who served as press secretary for former Mayors Annise Parker and Turner, was suspended in December 2017 after she failed to comply with media requests under the Texas Public Information Act. Several media outlets had requested thousands of emails related to her side business that were generated and sent while she was on city time.

Ward initially released 29 emails to Texas Monitor reporter Trent Seibert, but an audit in January by the city's inspector general uncovered more than 5,000 emails Ward sent on behalf of "Joy In Motion," her production company, and other non-city related matters.

Turner vehemently defended Ward. However, on Jan. 26, she resigned from the city. Violating the Texas Public Information Act is a misdemeanor offense. It is rare that offenders are indicted or get jail time.

Chris Tritico, an attorney representing Ward, said he was surprised by the indictment and defended Ward. He said the grand jury was wrong indicting her, KPRC reported.

Meanwhile, City Council Member Michael Kubosh, who owns and operates a bail bonding company, was among those who called for Ward’s resignation in January. Kubosh said he had never seen an indictment of this kind, but that it sends a strong message to public and elected officials, KTRK reported.

Press Secretary Mary Benton said in a statement that read: "Mayor Turner expects every city of Houston employee to comply with the Texas Public Information Act."

Turner is out of the country on official business and did not release a statement.

RELATED STORIES:

• Mayor Turner Suspends Press Secretary Who Lied About Emails
• Darian Ward Resigns As Mayor Turner's Press Secretary

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