A Delaware State Trooper has been indicted for multiple charges including felony Official Misconduct, Assault, and False Reporting after lying about an incident in Lewes, Delaware earlier this year. 

On October 27, Master Corporal William Walker, 53, was indicted and charged with two counts of felony Official Misconduct and misdemeanor charges of Falsely Reporting an Incident, Assault 3rd Degree, and Offensive Touching. The indictment follows an investigation into a physical altercation at a Lewes restaurant in January of this year. DSP has suspended Walker during the pendency of his prosecution. 

“We expect all Delaware law enforcement to uphold their oath to serve and protect,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “We will prosecute this case, and every case, with the utmost care. I am deeply grateful to our team, and to the Delaware State Police for their swift response, and thorough cooperation.” 

“The Delaware State Police holds its troopers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “Allegations of misconduct are taken seriously. When video evidence raised concerns about the accuracy of Master Corporal William Walker’s statements and the level of force utilized, he was suspended.  The matter was referred to the Delaware Department of Justice Division of Public Trust for independent review. These actions demonstrate our commitment to accountability, transparency, and maintaining public trust. We value our partnership with the Delaware Department of Justice. The trooper remains suspended while the judicial process moves forward.” 

The State alleges that on January 30, Walker observed a physical altercation between the victim and another patron while dining at Nicola Pizza. After the victim left the restaurant, Walker followed him outside. Walker, who was not in uniform, identified himself as a police officer before forcibly pulling the victim back to the restaurant in a nelson hold. After forcing the victim down onto a bench, Walker jerked him up by the front of his shirt causing an altercation during which Walker struck the victim multiple times, including kicking him while the victim was on the ground.  Despite multiple attempts by other parties to end the altercation, Walker continued his assault Walker forcibly pushed one of the intervening patrons trying to break up the altercation, causing him to fall to the ground. 

When responding officers arrived, Walker falsely claimed to have been assaulted by the intervening patron. The victim was transported to Beebe hospital where he was treated for bruising and minor lacerations and subsequently released. Walker was suspended after the incident. 

The charges against Walker carry a statutory sentencing range of zero to 8 years and 30 days incarceration. As with all criminal prosecutions, the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty at trial. 

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