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We now have a date for when the court portion of Gary Walker’s case will get started. The preliminary hearing for the Charlotte County supervisor has been set for Friday, Jan. 19, beginning at 9 a.m. in Charlotte County General District Court. 

Documents from the case and comments from agencies involved provide some information but not much. Here’s what we know right now. Charlotte County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary D. Walker faces three felony counts of perjury and two misdemeanor counts, alleging he violated Virginia’s Conflict of Interest Act. The 73-year-old Charlotte Court House resident turned himself in to Virginia State Police earlier on Thursday, Jan. 11.

Now state officials have confirmed that they’re not looking at anyone else. Instead, the case now moves to the court system.
“The investigation is concluded in relation to these charges, but (the case) remains active through the course of the court process,” said Corinne Geller. She works as public relations director for VSP. 

We know the Virginia State Police’s Appomattox Field Office handled the case, but approval for it came from another area. Geller said the investigation was authorized by the Office of the Virginia Attorney General. 

“(It) was initiated due to concerns about the accuracy of information Walker provided on the annual Statement of Economic Interests form that he is required to complete as an elected official with the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors,” Geller said. 

AG’s office not involved 

Basically, he’s being accused of failing to disclose an economic interest in something the board voted on. The original complaint came in to the Virginia Attorney General’s office in 2016, when Mark Herring was in the position. 

“(He) then directed state police to initiate the investigation,” Geller added. 

The Gazette reached out to the office of current Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, but was told the group had no role in this. 

“The OAG is not involved in this case,” said AG’s office spokesperson Victoria LaCivita. She referred The Gazette to State Police with any further questions. 

Charges against Charlotte County supervisor

Looking at the filed charges, the prosecution claims the three felony charges involve situations from Jan. 1, 2016 to Jan. 11, 2023.  The misdemeanor charges, two counts of failure to file a yearly required statement, happened on or about Jan. 11, 2023, the prosecution alleges.