A former Delaware County Sheriff's deputy was arrested yesterday after surrendering to authorities on a complaint of making a lewd or indecent proposal to a minor.
Garrick Walker, 25, of Jay, was a deputy with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office from 2014 until he was fired from the agency earlier this month. Now, the state has filed charges against him after he was accused of propositioning a 14-year-old girl. Walker surrendered yesterday and was arrested and booked into the Delaware County Jail. He has since been released on $20,000 bond.
Walker was fired two days after allegedly asking the girl repeatedly if she would like to "experiment" with him, and telling her that no one would have to know. According to a probable cause affidavit, Walker admitted to discussing sex with the teen and telling her that she "needed experience."
Although, the defendant has thus far only been charged with lewd proposals to a minor, the affidavit alleges that he may have also had physical sexual contact with the teen and her little sister, who is a fifth grader. Investigators say that Walker said that if he had inappropriate contact with the teen, it occurred "accidentally" while he was tickling her.
If investigation reveals sufficient evidence of inappropriate physical contact, the defendant could face additional charges.
Lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child under 16 (21 O.S. § 1123) is a broad statute that covers a number of actions considered to have lewd or sexual intent. Not only does the law prohibit physical sexual contact with a minor under the age of 16, but also making sexual suggestions--whether verbal, written, or electronic--and even "looking upon" a minor in a "lewd or lascivious manner."
Lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child under 16 is a felony sex crime even if no physical contact occurs. It is punishable by three to 20 years in prison, unless the child involved is under the age of 12. Cases involving lewd acts or indecent proposals to a child aged 11 or younger are punishable by a minimum of 25 years in prison. In all cases, conviction mandates lifetime sex offender registration.
