Walker sentenced to 66 months; court denies sex offender option

Jerry Walker, 74, Endicott area farmer, was sentenced to 66 months Friday afternoon on a conviction for three counts of child molestation. In pronouncing the sentence, Judge David Frazier denied a request by the defense for a sexual offender alternative sentence.

Walker Jan. 8 pleaded guilty to two charges of child molestation in the second degree and one charge of child molestation in the third degree. Each of the charges cites a time span within the early weeks of summer with the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 specified in the separate charges.

Defense Attorney Will Ferguson in a memorandum to the court argued that Walker had undergone a psychological and sexual risk evaluation which qualified him for the sexual offender alternative. The court received letters objecting to the offender alternative from the victim and each of his parents. The victim’s father also gave a short statement in opposition during Friday’s sentencing.

Prosecutor Denis Tracy said after the hearing, opposition by the victims carries a “great weight” when determining the factors for qualification to an alternative sentence.

During Walker’s arraignment seven months ago Judge Frazier also noted comments by the victim can carry great weight at a sentencing session. He made the comment after approving the plea bargain agreement over objections made by the victims family at that time.

A sexual offender alternative sentence would have allowed conversion of some of the jail time to sexual offender treatment time.

Walker was also placed on 36 months of probation after his release from prison and ordered to have no contact with the victim or the victim’s parents and not be alone with youngsters less than 16 years of age.

Three other charges in the original complaint were dismissed under terms of an agreement before the plea entry Jan. 8