Miami News-Record
Wednesday, October 30, 1996
More charges of Walker payoffs revealed in court
Dick’s Place owner says he reinstalled Las Vegas-style slot machines
By Ron Holmes
Miami News-Record
The trial of Ottawa County Sheriff James “Ed” Walker got a bit weirder Tuesday when Richard Huckabee, owner of Dick’s Place in Miami, told the court that he had reinstalled two Las Vegas-style slot machines in his establishment.
Huckabee’s place was one of several aria businesses raided by federal agents last fall for illegal gambling.
The grand jury which followed issued a 12-count indictment against Walker on charges of illegal gambling, obstruction of justice and extortion.
Huckabee said that 10 percent of the profits from his illegal gambling operation were paid to Walker.
Also testifying Tuesday was Charles William Newkirk, owner of Ozark Leasing and Rentals.
He told the court that Walker never asked for 10 percent as other vendors have claimed but that he gave the money as contributions.
The jury also listened to a tape which Newkirk secretly made for federal agents of a conversation with Walker.
Although portions of the tape were inaudible and federal prosecutors refused to release the transcript, one audible portion included a statement by Walker in which he said, “I never too $300 from you, and I didn’t take any money from Tubby Mercer or anyone else.”
In addition to confirming Huckabee’s testimony regarding the new slot machines, defense attorney Gary Richardson’s office said this morning that they expected to begin calling witnesses next week.
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