Pubdate: Thu, 18 Oct 2001
Source: Evansville Courier & Press (IN)
Copyright: 2001 The Evansville Courier
Contact:  http://www.courierpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/138
Author: Dave Hosick, Courier & Press staff writer (812) 464-7449 or  http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

PIKE DEPUTY PUT ON PROBATION

The former chief deputy of the Pike County sheriff's office will serve six 
months of unsupervised probation for allegedly mishandling drug evidence 
involving the son of the County Council president. William Walker pleaded 
guilty to official misconduct, a misdemeanor, in a Daviess County court, 
where the case was venued. Walker, chief deputy during the leadership of 
beleaguered former Sheriff Jeff Clements, also will pay a $500 fine plus 
court costs, said current Sheriff Todd Meadors.

Walker also could face disciplinary action from the Sheriff Merit 
Commission. Meadors said he will bring the issue before the commission at 
its Nov. 13 meeting.

"If he had been charged with a felony, he would have been automatically 
dismissed, because he couldn't carry a firearm," Meadors explained.

Walker was charged shortly before Clements was charged with rape and later 
resigned. Clements will go to trial next month.

Walker came under investigation for allegedly responding to a call at the 
home of Pam and Warren Craig in rural Pike County on April 3.

Pam Craig told police Walker arrived to help resolve a dispute she was 
having with her husband, Warren - who is the son of Pike County Council 
President Roger Craig.

Pam Craig told police Walker threatened to have her children taken away 
because of the dispute, at which time she told Walker her husband had 
marijuana plants in their trailer and outside their home. Walker allegedly 
told Warren Craig to destroy the plants, and trusted him to do so.

Craig was later arrested because of the incident, but not on drug charges, 
Meadors said.

"He's still saying he didn't do anything wrong," Meadors said of Walker. 
"He's not admitting guilt, but he said instead of drawing this out, he 
wanted some closure and to get it over with."

A prosecutor from Daviess County could not be reached.
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