A Tate County man arrested in 2022 for several crimes involving children will spend a substantial amount of time in prison.
Documents from Tate County Circuit Court show Bill Edward Ward, 32, of Coldwater, was ordered to concurrently serve two 40-year sentences in Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) after pleading guilty to charges of possession of child pornography and sexual battery of a child less than 14 years of age.
Ward had nine other charges of possession of child pornography and a charge of escape of prisoner remanded to the file.
A report from the Tate County Sheriff’s Office states investigators received information with allegations of child exploitation at a Coldwater residence in the 30 block of Crestfield Cove.
Ward, who is listed on the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry, was taken into custody Nov. 6, 2022, following an investigation. Despite being restrained with handcuffs in the back seat of a patrol unit vehicle, the report states Ward attempted to escape during transport to the Tate County Jail by kicking out a rear passenger window and jumping from the vehicle traveling at an estimated 45 miles per hour.
Ward was treated on scene for various injuries before he was admitted to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Southaven. Ward was released from the hospital a short time later and deputies transported him without incident to the Tate County Jail where a charge of attempted escape was added.
Ward, who was indicted by the Tate County Grand Jury in March 2023, was held without bond until his sentencing in circuit court.
