Judges guilty of taking bribes
Two judges were convicted of taking bribes to set low bonds or remove court holds on defendants.
A federal jury in Shreveport convicted state District Judge Michael Walker and Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge Vernon Claville on one count each of racketeering. The charge carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Claville was accused of taking bribes to remove court holds from juveniles so they could be granted bond. Walker oversaw the drug section of his court and was accused of taking bribes to quickly set bonds, reduce them, recall arrest warrants or remove probation holds.
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