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Former Moundsville Fire Official Waives First Hearing on Sexual Abuse Charge

Photo by Alan Olson Ron Walker sits silently Tuesday in Marshall County Magistrate Court, where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on a sexual abuse charge.

MOUNDSVILLE — Cameron Councilman Ron Walker, also Moundsville’s former acting fire chief, has waived his right to a preliminary hearing on a sexual abuse charge.

That decision during a brief appearance Tuesday in Marshall County Magistrate Court means the case against Walker, 42, will be transferred to circuit court for consideration by a grand jury.

Walker appeared before Magistrate David McLaughlin and remained silent as his attorney, Martin Sheehan, informed the court Walker would be waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. Walker remains free after posting bond immediately following his arrest Dec. 7.

Marshall County Assistant Prosecutor Adam Barney said he has no new information to release regarding the case against Walker.

According to a criminal complaint, Walker allegedly exposed himself and forced another person to touch him inappropriately in the parking lot of the city building on Nov. 1. At that time, Walker was serving as Moundsville’s assistant fire chief.

Walker briefly served as the city’s acting fire chief after the death of Noel Clarke in November, before the charges against Walker were filed. Gary Brandon is now serving as acting fire chief.

The city of Moundsville terminated Walker’s employment Dec. 13 after a hearing, which was closed to the public. The hearing board upheld City Manager Deanna Hess’ request to fire Walker.

During the time between his arrest and subsequent firing, Walker was placed on paid suspension by the city.

Walker’s term on Cameron City Council runs through June 2020. After charges were filed against Walker, Cameron officials said they take the allegations against him seriously, but are waiting to learn all the facts of the case before deciding how to proceed.

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