MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Acting Fire Chief Ronald Walker was charged with sexual abuse Friday.
Walker, 42, of Cameron, turned himself in to state police Friday morning and was arraigned in Marshall County Magistrate Court. He was released on $10,000 bond.
According to a criminal complaint, on Nov. 1 in the parking lot of the Moundsville City Building, Walker grabbed another adult’s hand and forced it to his exposed genital area “for the purpose of the sexual gratification of the defendant.”
The criminal complaint also said Walker “has offered a confession regarding this event.”
According to reports, Walker has been placed on administrative leave by the City of Moundsville with pay until a termination hearing.
Walker is also a member of the Cameron Town Council. A statement from the city said the mayor and fellow council members were “shocked to learn of the very serious allegations.” The statement said the city would look at its options at the appropriate time.
Walker became the acting fire chief following the Nov. 9 death of former chief Noel Clarke who lost a battle with cancer. Walker was assistant chief under Clarke.
A magistrate’s assistant in Marshall County Magistrate’s Court says a preliminary hearing will be scheduled for Walker before the end of the year.