Walker convicted in statutory rape trial

Russell D. Walker

A Burlington Junction man arrested nearly a year ago was convicted Thursday on two counts of first-degree felony statutory rape following a four-day trial in Gentry County.

The jury trial was moved from Nodaway County on a change of venue.

Russell D. Walker, then 36, was arrested last June following an extended investigation by officers, including personnel from the Nodaway County Sheriff’s office.

According to court documents, Walker was initially accused of having intimate sexual contact with at least two girls age 14 or younger over a period of several years.

The first count on which Walker was convicted alleged sexual activity with a child younger than 14 between May 1, 2014, and Oct. 1 of that same year.

Count two alleged similar acts between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2011, with a child younger than 12.

Walker was acquitted of a third count, attempted first-degree statutory sodomy, defined in this case as sexual activity with a minor other than intercourse.

After finding Walker guilty, the jury recommended a sentence of 25 years on each count, a finding that will be taken into consideration by the judge during the defendant’s sentencing hearing, which has been scheduled for July 5 in Nodaway County.

Sentencing will follow a pre-sentence investigation to be conducted by the state Division of Probation and Parole.

Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rice said Walker could be sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in state prison on each count, and that the judge has the option of declaring the terms to run consecutively or concurrently.

Walker will also be subject to lifetime supervision as a convicted sex offender.