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In order to move forward with the case against Gary Walker, some changes need to take place. Specifically, according to the Charlotte County Clerk of Court’s office, a special prosecutor and special judge must be appointed. 

Walker, the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors Chairman, 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 back on Thursday, Jan. 11.

Originally, a preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled back on Friday, Jan. 19, but that was continued as officials secure a special prosecutor and judge to take over. As of Monday, the Charlotte County Clerk of Court’s Office said a special prosecutor and judge has to be appointed to avoid any conflict of interest. Since Gary Walker is a public figure from Charlotte County, he would possibly be familiar with some of the judges and prosecutors. Bringing someone in from outside simply avoids that issue. 

It does, however, slow things down a bit. Walker had been “released on recognizance”, meaning he has committed to appearing in court and adhering to any other terms as a condition of bail. But that court date will be a couple months away. As of now, the next hearing in the case is scheduled for Friday, April 19. That’ll be held at noon in Charlotte County General District Court. 

Former AG made decision about Gary Walker case 

Basically, Walker’s being accused of failing to disclose an economic interest in something the board of supervisors, including himself, voted on. A complaint had been filed with the Virginia Attorney General’s office back in 2016. This was when Mark Herring was Virginia’s attorney general, and according to Virginia State Police, Herring made the decision to open the investigation. 

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. 

State Police, meanwhile, say their part in this is over and it’s now in the hands of the court system. 

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.