Ward will conclude his tenure on October 16 after building and expanding Connecticut’s independent correctional oversight office
HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Correction Ombuds DeVaughn Ward announced today that he will leave the Office of the Correction Ombuds on October 16, 2026, to return to private practice as a plaintiff-side attorney with Morgan & Morgan.
Ward has led the independent office since September 23, 2024, initially serving as Interim Correction Ombuds before being confirmed as the permanent Ombuds in April 2025.
“My goal was to build an independent, credible and accessible oversight office capable of identifying systemic problems, elevating the experiences of incarcerated people and working toward meaningful solutions,” Ward said. “I am proud of what our team has built, and I am confident that the office is positioned to continue growing and serving the people of Connecticut.”
During Ward’s tenure, the Office of the Correction Ombuds:
- Increased its annual budget from approximately $400,000 to more than $1.2 million.
- Expanded its professional and administrative staff.
- Secured additional statutory authority, including the power to conduct unannounced visits, issue subpoenas, conduct informal hearings and publish decisions.
- Established secure complaint dropboxes in correctional facilities and telephone access to the Ombuds office from housing units.
- Published Connecticut’s first independent Conditions of Confinement report.
- Advocated successfully for the elimination of medical copayments and associated debt for incarcerated people.
- Advanced the implementation of body-scanning technology at York Correctional Institution and Manson Youth Institution.
- Supported the initiation of a state audit of correctional food and commissary services.
- Advocated for the establishment of the Correctional Health Care Oversight Commission, which will bring state agencies, healthcare professionals, advocates and other stakeholders together to examine medical care provided to incarcerated people.
Ward’s current term expires in January 2027. Legislative changes that Ward supported provide that the next Correction Ombuds will serve a four-year term, strengthening the office’s continuity and independence.
“I am announcing my departure now because I want to provide the Correction Advisory Committee sufficient time to interview candidates and complete its statutory responsibilities so that the Governor can make a selection by January 7, 2027,” Ward said. “An orderly and timely appointment process is essential to preserving the office’s momentum, independence and institutional credibility.”
Ward will continue leading the office through October 16, including overseeing its first public town hall on September 23 and working with staff and state partners to document priorities, complete major projects and support an effective transition.
Statement from Governor Ned Lamont
“Working with the legislature, we created the Office of the Correction Ombuds to independently evaluate our correctional facilities and policies and investigate complaints. Establishing this office has been no small feat, and I greatly appreciate the work that DeVaughn has done to get it up and running. Over these last two years, he has worked tirelessly to contribute to meaningful reforms that enhance our criminal justice system, and I am appreciative of the work he has provided to Connecticut.”
— Governor Ned Lamont
Statement from Senator Gary Winfield, Judiciary Committee Co-Chair
“Attorney Ward was tasked with getting the Office of the Correction Ombuds off the ground. That was a heavy task. He had to contend with those who desired that he fail from the start, as well as those who wished him success but did not believe it was possible. His work leaves us in a position to continue moving forward and growing the office for the benefit of all the people of our state, particularly those of us who, for some period, are in the custody of the Department of Correction.”
— Senator Gary Winfield
Statement from Department of Correction Interim Commissioner Sharonda Carlos
“Independent oversight plays an important role in Connecticut’s carceral system, and we recognize Ombudsman DeVaughn Ward’s service.
“The Ombudsman’s Office has been pivotal in helping the agency maintain transparency with both internal and external stakeholders, while keeping safety and human dignity at the center of daily operations. The Department appreciates Ombudsman Ward and his team for their collaborative efforts in addressing areas such as conditions of confinement and access to specialized outside services. I am confident the agency will continue to work closely with the Office of the Ombudsman as we strive to remain a leader in correctional practices.
“We appreciate Ombudsman Ward’s commitment to public service and to the responsibilities of this important office. On behalf of the Department of Correction, I wish DeVaughn continued success as he embarks on his next chapter.”
— Interim Commissioner Sharonda Carlos
Statement from Morgan & Morgan
“We are looking forward to welcoming DeVaughn to Morgan & Morgan. As we continue to grow our Connecticut presence, DeVaughn will play an important role in that expansion, and we know his experience in plaintiff-side litigation, civil-rights advocacy and public service will be an asset to our clients.”
— Nick Russo, Managing Partner
Ward’s legal career spans more than a decade of plaintiff-side litigation, public-interest advocacy and government service. Through his boutique practice and other legal work, he has represented individuals and families in complex civil-rights, personal-injury and wrongful-death matters, including cases involving the medical treatment of incarcerated people. His record includes several seven-figure resolutions and class-action litigation.
At Morgan & Morgan, Ward will focus on representing injured people and families while continuing his career as a plaintiff-side advocate.
“I remain deeply grateful to the members of my staff, the Correction Advisory Committee, state leaders, advocates, incarcerated people and their families who helped establish this office as a meaningful part of Connecticut’s oversight system,” Ward said. “There is still important work ahead, and I intend to finish this chapter with the same urgency, independence and commitment with which I began it.”
About the Office of the Correction Ombuds
The Connecticut Office of the Correction Ombuds is an independent state office charged with promoting accountability, transparency and the protection of the rights, health, safety and welfare of people confined within Connecticut correctional institutions.
Media Contact:
DeVaughn Ward
Correction Ombuds
devaughn.ward@ct.gov
(860) 856-4799