Ward’s Business Ventures

Ward, a notable figure on social media for his urban decay videos and confrontations with left-wing activists, is also the owner of a café in San Francisco called Tenderloin Deli and Connect. Located on Ellis Street, the deli markets itself as a provider of affordable comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere, as highlighted on its Yelp page. However, a December 2024 health inspection report revealed that the establishment faced issues related to pests, specifically cockroaches.

A Troubling Past

In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Ward has a significant criminal history. He was convicted in 2006 for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, resulting in a designation as a “career offender.” According to court records, he was placed in the highest Criminal History Category VI due to numerous prior offenses. His record also includes a 1998 arrest for a domestic disturbance, during which he was convicted of possessing a controlled substance.

Sentencing and Legal Insights

The plea deal that Ward accepted in 2006 led to a sentence of seven and a half years, a duration considerably shorter than the 15 to 20 years recommended under federal sentencing guidelines. This aspect has raised questions among legal experts regarding the circumstances surrounding his sentencing.

Chesa Boudin, former District Attorney of San Francisco and current leader of a criminal justice center at UC Berkeley’s law school, reviewed Ward’s case at the request of The Standard. Boudin noted, “I’m not sure what I can conclude from this other than that he received a very substantial discount in his sentence for (presumably) very substantial government assistance of some kind.”

Ward’s Response

In response to Boudin’s remarks, Ward disputed the characterization of his sentencing. He clarified, “I never took a plea deal. I just pled guilty.” This statement underscores his perspective on the legal proceedings that shaped his past.