U.S. Probation Officer Mark John Walker has pleaded guilty to violating the constitutional rights of female offenders under his direct supervision by engaging in sexual contact and aggravated sexual abuse. Details of the case were the subject of an FBI press release dated April 28, 2011.
According to the release, Walker admitted to violating the probationer’s rights by “kissing them or touching their breasts, buttocks and inner thighs without their consent and in order to gratify his own sexual desires.”
With one victim, Walker admitted to pulling her pants down and forcing her to have sexual intercourse with him at her home as part of his official duties. During this assault he was wearing his badge and carrying his government-issued firearm. According to the release, “the victims never reported the violations to authorities because they were afraid that no one would believe them and that Walker, as their probation officer, had the power to have them incarcerated or otherwise punished.”
According to the prosecutor, Walker selected women with mental health issues or a history of sexual abuse.
In addition to the criminal prosecution, at least seven victims have brought a federal civil rights lawsuit against Walker. In one of those cases, it is alleged that Walker demanded a “threesome” with the victim and another woman. He threatened to have her locked up and to have her child taken from her if she complained.
As a result of the plea, Walker is expected to received a sentence of ten years incarceration.
This case is reminiscent of one I posted about last year. That case involved a Long Island jail guard extorting sex from female inmates.
Abraham Lincoln once said:
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
These two men failed that test of character while violating the constitution they swore to protect.
