Stab Magazine | Chris Ward In Maximum Security Jail
1828 Views

Chris Ward In Maximum Security Jail

Sixty days behind bars for Ward.

news // Jun 30, 2016
Words by stab
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Enigmatic regular-footer, Chris Ward, is currently in the Theo Lacy Facility, a maximum security jail in Orange County, after being charged with allegedly assaulting his wife, Michele, last year.

According to the below Legal record, Ward was taken into custody on June 17. Stab was told by a representative at the Theo Lacy Facility that on June 25, Ward was sentenced to 60 days in jail.

Screen Shot 2016 06 29 at 11.04.25 am

According to the charging document filed against Chris originally: On August 18, 2015, Wardo was charged with committing misdemeanor domestic battery resulting in traumatic condition against his wife, Michele. On April 7th of this year, Chris entered a plea of guilty to that same charge of domestic battery, admitting that, “On or about 2/16/15 in Orange County, I willfully and unlawfully inflicted corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon Jane Doe, whom I was cohabiting with at the time.” He entered that plea of guilty with a negotiated sentence that included three years of probation and 60 days to be spent in county jail. Chris is eligible for what’s commonly known as “half time”, meaning as long as he behaves himself, he will serve 30 days of the 60. Because he pled to a crime of domestic violence he is required to attend 52 weeks of domestic violence classes, from which he has already been terminated for excessive absences and had a violation of probation filed against him (that is still pending at this time). 

The incident was first brought to light in December when Michele used Ward’s Instagram account to upload a photo of her bruised and battered face. The caption stated: “I’m a professional athlete. I love my wife. But I spread lies about her. So here’s the truth. This is how I love. Truth is here.“ The photo was removed from IG within the hour it was posted. 

wards wife

An uncomfortable public back-and-forth ensued on Facebook. But an outwards facing view of their relationship has since taken on a more positive light. Two weeks ago, Michele posted a sentiment on their ups and downs:

Screen Shot 2016 06 29 at 12.41.04 pm

This isn’t Ward’s first run-in with the law; He was arrested outside of the Whiskey Creek Bar in Mammoth Lakes, California in January, 2008 and charged with “assault with weapon other than firearm” after allegedly threatening one woman with a chunk of ice and punching another woman who tried to intervene.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Breaking: Rogue Boat Plows Through Steamer Lane, Capsizes With Family Of Six Onboard

Stab writer Holden Trnka saves a kid, gives a first hand report.

Feb 8, 2026

Watch: How $13M And 70,000 Tons Of Granite Changed An Australian Surf Town Forever

A documentary on Midds Reef — the world's best artificial wave — by Rhys Jones.

Feb 7, 2026

Pipeline Was Really, Really Good Today

CT qualifications, countless nine point rides, Australian domination, and the journey of a local hero.

Feb 6, 2026

Why Chapter 11’s Doors Are Shut + Why Former’s Output Is About To Spike

Former drops teaser for upcoming feature, ‘Defect’, starring the entire frozen pea army.

Feb 5, 2026

Joyride: What’s In An Asymmetrical Surfboard?

An asymmetrical study of Lovelace's Zambal and Satellite models.

Feb 5, 2026

What Happens When The Best Surfer On Earth Leaves The Tour?

The second order effect of John John's departure.

Feb 4, 2026

Velvet Pipeline And Nine Point Faceplants

A CT qualification update from the North Shore.

Feb 3, 2026

“It’s Louder Than An Atomic Bomb. If You Were Anywhere Near It, Your Head Would Explode.”

The Southern Ocean is now open for international pillaging.

Feb 2, 2026

“They Don’t Call It The Challenger Series For Nothing”

Local excellence and universal beatdowns on Day Two of the Pipe Challenger.

Feb 1, 2026

How Billy Kemper Convinced The WSL (And The Mayor) To Have Locals In The Pipe Challenger

And more musings from the ground here on the North Shore.

Jan 31, 2026

Exclusive Interview: Why John Florence Put The CT On Indefinite Pause

"The tour has a cap. I want to find a space where everything grows bigger."

Jan 29, 2026

Is Firing Pipeline Too Much To Ask For?

The inaugural Pipeline Challenger event starts in 24 hours. And we're en route.

Jan 28, 2026

Watch: Episode 02 of Stab In The Dark X Starring Kelly Slater

Are we all ordering five fin setups now?

Jan 28, 2026

Breaking: John John Florence Will NOT Be Surfing On The 2026 Championship Tour

Is this it?

Jan 27, 2026

Why William Aliotti Picked Up The Bong

Europe's premier freesurfer on leaving Volcom after 15 years and joining Billabong.

Jan 26, 2026

Here’s Why We Included A Wildcard In Stab In The Dark X 

The Mann among men.

Jan 23, 2026

Watch: Only The Best Waves From EAST With Mikey February

11 minutes of star-studded velvet.

Jan 23, 2026

Rumor: Is The CT Quitting J Bay In 2026?

And where it might be heading instead...

Jan 23, 2026
Advertisement