Washington DC Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Assault Crime

Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 6:15 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BECKLEY, W.VA.- On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, MacArthur Walker, Jr., 58, of Washington, D.C., appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty to Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding a Certain Enforcement Officer or Employee Involving Physical Contact.

     According to U.S. Attorney Will Thompson, on May 4, 2024, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being operated by Walker while traveling on Interstate 64 in the area of Sandstone, West Virginia.

     During the stop, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana inside Walker’s vehicle. Walker’s passenger told the officer that there were around 3.5 grams of marijuana in the car. The officer then instructed Walker to exit his vehicle and stand by the officer’s vehicle while the officer conducted a search of Walker’s car.

Walker Failed To Follow Officer’s Instructions

     On multiple occasions, Walker failed to follow the officer’s instructions. During yesterday’s court hearing, Walker admitted that he eventually approached the officer and punched him on the right side of his body following the officer removing something from inside Walker’s vehicle during the search. The item turned out to be a Rossi .38 Special revolver.

     U.S. Magistrate Judge scheduled Walker’s sentencing for January 3, 2025. At that time, Walker faces a maximum term of eight years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Walker will also be required to forfeit the Rossi .38 Revolver.

     United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the U.S. National Parks Service for their investigative work in securing the arrest and guilty plea.