A Delaware State Trooper has been indicted for felony misconduct after an incident in Lewes earlier this year. The Delaware Attorney General’s office says 53 year old Master Corporal William Walker was indicted Monday and charged with two counts of felony official misconduct and misdemeanor charges of falsely reporting an incident, 3rd degree assault and offensive touching. This comes after an investigation into a physical altercation at a Lewes restaurant in January. Walker has been suspended during the prosecution. State Police say that video evidence raised concerns about the accuracy of Walker’s statements and the level of force utilized and he was suspended. The matter was referred to the Delaware Department of Justice Division of Public Trust for independent review.
Additional information from the DE AG:
“We expect all Delaware law enforcement to uphold their oath to serve and protect,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “We will prosecute this case, and every case, with the utmost care. I am deeply grateful to our team, and to the Delaware State Police for their swift response, and thorough cooperation.”
“The Delaware State Police holds its troopers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “Allegations of misconduct are taken seriously. When video evidence raised concerns about the accuracy of Master Corporal William Walker’s statements and the level of force utilized, he was suspended. The matter was referred to the Delaware Department of Justice Division of Public Trust for independent review. These actions demonstrate our commitment to accountability, transparency, and maintaining public trust. We value our partnership with the Delaware Department of Justice. The trooper remains suspended while the judicial process moves forward.”Â
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The State alleges that on January 30, Walker observed a physical altercation between the victim and another patron while dining at Nicola Pizza. After the victim left the restaurant, Walker followed him outside. Walker, who was not in uniform, identified himself as a police officer before forcibly pulling the victim back to the restaurant in a nelson hold. After forcing the victim down onto a bench, Walker jerked him up by the front of his shirt causing an altercation during which Walker struck the victim multiple times, including kicking him while the victim was on the ground. Despite multiple attempts by other parties to end the altercation, Walker continued his assault Walker forcibly pushed one of the intervening patrons trying to break up the altercation, causing him to fall to the ground.Â
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When responding officers arrived, Walker falsely claimed to have been assaulted by the intervening patron. The victim was transported to Beebe hospital where he was treated for bruising and minor lacerations and subsequently released.
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The charges against Walker carry a statutory sentencing range of zero to 8 years and 30 days incarceration. As with all criminal prosecutions, the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty at trial.
