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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mall’s developer to appear in Spokane court

The Spokesman-Review

A once-prominent Spokane land developer has been charged with several felonies related to an alleged drug and stolen property ring investigators believe he ran from his Long Lake home.

Joseph G. Ward, 62, is due in Spokane County Superior Court within the next two weeks after prosecutors filed charges May 26.

The theft and stolen property charges are related to a Washington State Patrol investigation. A SWAT team raided Ward’s home at 15102 N. Tormey Road on Jan. 7, 2009, and seized suspected stolen property and methamphetamine.

The investigation sent to prosecutors detailed alleged criminal activity ranging from insurance fraud and stolen property possession to major methamphetamine trafficking and videotaped orgies with prostitutes. Ward, founder of Pinnacle Realty, developed malls and other properties throughout Eastern Washington, including the Spokane Valley Mall.