San Andreas, CA...On July 21, 2014, Robert Walker was sentenced to life in prison for raping a six year old child. Walker had been found guilty of this crime on June 11, 2014, following a five day jury trial in Calaveras Superior Court. The mandatory sentence for this crime is 25 years to life, but due to Walker’s criminal past, his sentence was increased to a term of 27 years to life in prison. Under current law, he will not be eligible for release on parole until he serves a minimum of 27 years behind bars...
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office began their investigation into this case in July of 2012 when the victim’s mother came forward to report the crime. The Sheriff’s Department determined that the crime actually occurred in 2008 when the victim was 6 years old. Despite the passage of time, the Sheriff’s Department put together a strong case and worked closely with Social Worker, Alfiea Porter, in documenting the victim’s report in a child appropriate manner. Mary Sawicki, Director of Calaveras Health & Human Services Agency stated, “Ms. Porter’s excellent work in this case is commensurate with her dedication and passion for protecting children.” Jen Joses, PA-C, of the Calaveras Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) also played a key role in corroborating the victim’s report.
The case was presented to the jury in Court by Deputy District Attorney Dana Pfeil on behalf of the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office. DDA Pfeil said, “The victim was incredibly courageous and, in my personal opinion, is a hero for coming forward.” “The numerous delays by the defense were discouraging at times, but we worked closely with the victim and the victim persevered,” Pfeil said. The victim also chose a support person who was permitted to sit next to the victim at all times in Court. Kelli Fraguero, Chief Administrative Director of the Calaveras Crisis Center commented, “This was a difficult and emotional case for everyone involved and I know the family is glad to finally have closure so the healing can begin.”
District Attorney Barbara Yook said, “Every Agency involved worked diligently on pursuing justice for the victim in this case. DDA Pfeil applied her expertise in Court and we couldn’t be more pleased that we were successful in getting this predator off the streets.” The outcome of this case should provide hope for others who have been victimized and who may be hesitant to come forward. “Reporting these types of crimes is never easy and the wheels of justice often turn slowly, but this case is an example of the criminal justice system supporting a victim of crime and it sends a message that sexual violence is not ok,” Fraguero added.
In addition to his lengthy prison sentence, Walker was also sentenced to an additional 360 days jail for disobeying a court order by repeatedly making phone calls and sending letters to the victim’s mother while he was in jail.
