Arrest warrant filed for Byron Walker yesterday

City Commissioner turns himself in to Ennis Police
Ennis City Commissioner Byron Walker turned himself over to the custody of the Ennis Police Department after being identified in an out of town arrest warrant issued yesterday, according to Ennis Police Chief John Erisman.
Erisman said the department was contacted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office regarding the arrest warrant for fraudulent use of identifying information.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the warrant was sealed and details regarding the case could not be released until Walker’s arrest.
When contacted Walker said he was not yet even aware of the specific charges against him, and he would do all he could to resolve the situation, which according to him is merely a civil matter between himself and a business partner.
“All I do know right now is it’s an allegation from a former business associate,” Walker said. “I’m not being evasive. I really don’t know a lot.”
Walker has hired legal representation to handle the matter, but that agency was unreachable at press time.
“We are fully cooperating,” Walker said. “We have nothing to hide.”
Erisman confirmed to the Ennis Daily News that Walker is in custody and cooperating.
Walker is Ennis City Commissioner for Ward 1 and is up for re-election in May.


 

Charges dropped against Walker

The charge of fraudulent use of identifying information brought against former Ward 1 City Commissioner Byron Walker has been dropped, according to Clay County District Attorney Jack McGaughey.
Walker turned himself in to Ennis police custody after being identified in an out of town warrant issued on March 19. Clay County Sheriff’s Office issued the warrant in regard to an alleged attempt to obtain credit for a horse trailer, using the name of Walker’s former business associate, Norris Dalton.
According to McGaughey, the case was supposed to go before the court two weeks ago, but did not because the court’s docket was full. McGaughey said that as long as this case is on the Clay County docket it prevents Walker from getting bonded and ultimately from earning a living. Since his office is tied up in other trials McGaughey said he felt it was unfair to keep Walker from working.
“That’s just not fair to any defendant,” McGaughey said.
Walker’s arrest warrant was issued after Durham Trailer Ranch reported Walker requested the company build a custom horse trailer with living quarters that would cost $120,000-$130,000. Dalton’s name was signed to finance paperwork following the request, but Dalton told the trailer company he had never approved any such financing and didn’t sign the papers.
A letter was also logged in as evidence claiming Dalton approved of Walker buying a four-horse trailer for Silverado Rodeo – Walker’s company. Dalton said he knew nothing of this letter either.
Walker and his attorney, Jeff McKnight, have both claimed this is merely a civil matter as a result of a business relationship gone bad.
McGaughey said Walker has brought in evidence that his office “believes to be exculpatory,” but although the charges have been dropped to allow Walker to resume work, he said that doesn’t mean the case is completely closed.
“So much evidence is coming in from both sides,” McGaughey said.
Walker was up for reelection for the City Commission seat in Ward 1 when his arrest took place. He lost the election to former Ennis Police Chief James “Red” Sanders.