Arthur Walker Statement Held Usable in Court
A federal judge Friday refused to suppress statements made to the FBI several weeks ago by Arthur J. Walker, who has been accused of espionage in a spy ring allegedly headed by his brother, John A. Walker Jr., a retired Navy warrant officer.
U.S. District Judge J. Calvitt Clarke Jr. concluded a four-hour closed hearing by ruling that the statements of Arthur Walker, 50, a retired Navy lieutenant commander, could be introduced as evidence at his trial, scheduled for Aug. 5.
The FBI has said that Arthur Walker admitted in late May, during 35 hours of questioning before his arrest, that he had passed military secrets to his brother. However, Walker’s attorney, Samuel W. Meekins Jr., said that his client has “material disagreement” with the FBI’s characterization of his statements. FBI agents misled Walker into thinking his chances for leniency would be improved if he cooperated, Meekins said.
The closed hearing took place after Clarke rejected the protests of five news organizations, which contended that the proceedings should be open.
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