Tulsa World
Friday, May 17, 1996
Sheriff Pleads Innocent
Judge Forbids Walker’s Carrying Gun
By Julie DelCour
World Staff Writer
Ottawa County Sheriff James Ed Walker appeared Thursday before a federal magistrate who forbade him to carry a firearm while he is awaiting trial on 12 felonies relating to northeastern Oklahoma gambling operations.
Walker entered an innocent plea to charges of extortion, aiding and abetting illegal commercial gambling operations and obstruction of justice.
The case is assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge H. Dale Cook. No trial date has been set.
Walker is represented by Cheryl Bisbee of the Gene Stipe law firm.
Bisbee argued to U.S. Magistrate Sam Joyner that her client be allowed to carry a weapon in the line of duty. Joyner ordered Walker not to carry a weapon and to refrain from handling any shipments of weapons or ammunition that have crossed state lines in interstate commerce.
Bisbee can request a reconsideration or modification of the order.
Joyner also ordered Walker, who is free on a $20,000 unsecured bond, to restrict his travel to the 11-county Northern District and to Japer and Newton counties in Missouri and Cherokee County in Kansas.
Prosecutors asked Joyner to unseal a financial affidavit Walker filed when a public defender was appointed to represent him Feb. 14. Joyner told prosecutors to file a motion on the request. U.S. Federal Defender Steve Knorr withdrew Thursday as Walker’s attorney.
Walker, who has vowed to fight the charges, could be tried as early as July.
Walker is charges with taking payoffs from five northeastern Oklahoma businessman, who have been charges with operation illegal gambling operations.
In the past year, more than 15 people have been charged with gambling-related counts in the northeastern Oklahoma area.
Ottawa-Delaware County District Attorney Ben Loring said he expects to meet with county commissioners Monday to discuss asking Walker for his resignation. A county official said an item concerning Walker’s job status was put on the agenda for Monday’s commissioners’ meeting.
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