Walker claims stalking, burglary charges are politically motivated

After District 5 Republican Congressional candidate Derek Walker was charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend and burglarizing her house, new details of the case are being reported across the state.

The criminal complaint, filed in District Judge Richard Ireland’s Clearfield office, charges Walker with burglary and criminal trespass, both felonies, and the misdemeanors criminal attempt, invasion of privacy, disorderly conduct and stalking. (The Centre Daily Times: Stalking, Burglary Charges Filed Against Congressional Candidate)

“I’m shocked, frankly,” said former Centre County commissioner Chris Exarchos. “Four or five days before an election? This sort of smells to me.” (The Centre Daily Times: 5th District Rivals React to News)

“These charges are false,” Walker said in a written statement issued shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday. “The entire matter is politically motivated — any thinking citizen in our area understands that charges of this nature brought five days before an election are clearly motivated by politics. (The Centre Daily Times: Two felonies, four misdemeanors filed days before vote; Candidate says action political)

As PolitickerPA.com reported yesterday, Walker’s former girlfriend denied the charges.

“Anyone who would spread such blatantly false rumors five days before an election is clearly politically motivated. Not only should they immediately stop spreading these rumors but they should also step forward and offer Derek Walker and me a public apology," Kathleen Ferry said in a statement.

Walker is one of 10 Republican candidates squaring off in an April 22 primary for the seat of retiring U.S. Rep. John Peterson.