Miami News-Record
Monday, May 20, 1996
Walker to take leave of absence
By John Fox and Ron Holmes
Miami News-Record
Sheriff Ed Walker, following last week’s 12-count federal indictment on charges of extortion, aiding and abetting the operation of illegal gambling businesses and obstruction of justice, said this morning he would accept the Ottawa County Commission’s offer to take a voluntary leave of absence with full pay and benefits.
In today’s commission meeting, ouster action was discussed. But District Attorney Ben Loring said since the U.S. attorney’s office would not share any of the evidence on the indictments with the district attorney’s office, they did not have sufficient evidence of an ouster. Walker did not attend the commission meeting, but did speak with Commissioner James Leake by telephone form his courthouse office about the leave of absence offer. After conferring with his attorney, Walker decided to accept it. The commission adjourned at 10:30 a.m. until noon today, and Walker was expected to announce his decision then. “At this time it’s best all the way around,” he said. Part of the deal is Undersheriff Mike Smith would run the department, Walker said. “At this time I have every intention of running for sheriff,” Walker said.
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