Christopher J. Ward is a former treasurer of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and several other Republican campaigns.[1] He was accused of embezzling $724,000 from the NRCC since his appointment in 2003, according to statements from the organization. The theft was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.[1][2][3] Ward had also served as treasurer for 83 Republican committees.[4][5][6]
On June 6, 2008, the Department of Justice, in filing a civil forfeiture proceeding against Ward's house, alleged that Ward "made over $500,000 in unauthorized withdrawals" and that he used the money to make his mortgage payments and for home renovation on his home in Bethesda, Maryland.[7]
On December 2, 2010, a federal judge sentenced Ward to 37 months in prison for stealing more than $844,000 from the NRCC and other political fundraising committees for whom he worked as treasurer.[8]