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Jury chosen for Fouke man accused of raping boy

TXK Today - 9/12/2017

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A jury of eight men and four men was selected Monday afternoon to decide if a Fouke, Ark., man is guilty of sexually abusing a male relative in 2004 and 2007.

Michael David Lee Walker, 32, is charged with rape and sexual indecency with a child which allegedly began when the boy was 5 in 2004. In April 2016, Michael Walker's wife, Sarah Walker, pleaded guilty to molesting the boy when he was 10 and 15 in 2008 and 2013. Sarah Walker was sentenced to seven years probation and must register as a sex offender, according to court records.

Michael Walker's alleged sexual misconduct with the boy came to the attention of detectives in Miller County in 2015 when they were investigating allegations Michael Walker abused a young female relative, according to a probable cause affidavit. Michael Walker has been charged with abusing the boy and two female relatives but his trial this week will concern only the allegations involving the boy.

Testimony is expected to begin Tuesday morning following opening statements. Texarkana attorney Darren Anderson is representing Walker. Deputy Proseucting Attorneys Kristian Robertson and Connie Mitchell are prosecuting. Miller County Circuit Judge Carlton Jones is presiding.

Michael Walker faces up to six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 if found guilty of sexual indecency with a child and 25 to 40 years or life if convicted of rape. If found guilty, it is possible the two other alleged victims could testify during the punishment phase of trial. Charges concerning the two female relatives include three counts of rape and a charge of second-degree sexual assault. Those cases are not currently scheduled for trial.

Michael Walker is currently in custody at the Miller County jail. Bail is set at $500,000.

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