Two Caddo Parish, Louisiana judges were convicted by a federal jury last week of several charges involving corruption for taking bribes to reduce bonds, recall arrest warrants and remove probation holds on defendants.. The racketeering charges ranged from bribery and official misconduct to interstate commerce. The FBI began its investigation in 2003. The operation was enhanced in May 2007 when the FBI tapped cell phones. The two judges, Michael Walker and Vernon Claville, were convicted of offenses related to taking bribes from a middleman hired by bondsman Larry Williams. Williams pleaded guilty to one count of public bribery in exchange for testifying against the two judges. Each judge faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance website, Williams' bail bond license is inactive although he holds a valid appointment with Allegheny Casualty Company.
My previous post:
LA Bondsman and Judges Indicted
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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