Miami News-Record
Tuesday, September 17, 1996
Walker’s new attorney files motion to withdraw
By Ron Holmes
Miami News-Record
Last week Ottawa County Sheriff Ed Walker asked the federal court to allow him to fire his attorney, the influential law firm of state Sen. Gene Stipes, citing personal differences with the attorneys assigned to his case. Monday, Federal Judge H. Dale Cook said OK and allowed for a one-week continuance for his new attorney to prepare for trial.
But Gary Richardson, whose firm had made a “conditional appearance” on behalf of Walker, said this morning that he would file a motion to withdraw from the case.
“Sheriff Walker is grossly unhappy with his current representation,” said Richardson.
“We had agreed to represent him if the court would allow sufficient time to prepare the case, but one week is not enough. I don’t practice law that way.
“I understand the court’s frustration with it,” said Richardson, “but we have to have enough time to prepare for trial.” Cook had previously continued the case at the request of the Stipes firm, allowing it an additional 60 days to prepare.
Walker has been charged with 12 counts of extortion, illegal gambling and obstruction of justice in connection with last fall’s raid by federal agents against area businesses who maintained illegal video gambling devices. Some of those indicted in the case have testified that they gave Walker payoffs to ignore the operations.
”This case doesn’t pass the smell taste,” said Richardson, “and in 20-plus years I’ve learned to have a pretty good sense of smell.”
Contacted Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Russell said, “We have no comment other than the trial has been delayed a week.”
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