Monday, July 28, 2008

Protection Order Granted Against Civil Service Member

Shirley Jones obtained a sexual assault protection order last Friday against Bill Walker, Ruston's newest civil service commissioner. Here is a link to the Superior Court notice here...

Although I have been aware of these allegations for some time, I have been reluctant to discuss them here. But the issue has moved into the public realm now and Ruston's citizens are both capable and deserve the right to sort out this situation for themselves.

The police department said this morning they will not discuss their investigation on this matter. I encourage our blog commenters to please refrain from spreading rumors and to keep the comments here honest, but civil. This is a very serious situation for all the people involved and since Bill is an appointed official for the town, a serious situation for Ruston as well. ~ Karen

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Karen

Anonymous said...

Karen.This seems serious.I hope everyone lets this sort out through the proper channels.

Anonymous said...

Let me be the first to invite Mrs. Jones to all the Town's public functions. Council Meetings, Study Sessions, Civil s Service Meetings and the like.

Anonymous said...

If this happened months ago, why did it take her so long to file the protection order?

Not judging... just curious

Anonymous said...

That's very common with abuse victims. Shame,embarassment and the ability to live with your thoughts determine how long it takes to take the difficult step and report this type of crime.

Anonymous said...

What "exactly" is the charge she's claiming against him?

Anonymous said...

Sexual assault protection order.

Anonymous said...

There's a reason he's known as "Crazy Bill." I know, I know ... some of you will be quick to correct me and point out it's "Wild Bill." But I think I got it right. No doubt, when he appears before the judge, he'll plead insanity.

Anonymous said...

In law, an assault is defined as any unwanted touching. Put the word "sexual" in front of it and it speaks for itself. Most of us have known for a long time that this guy is more than a little wacky. I wonder why appointed mayor Everding put him in such an important position. Birds of a feather?

Anonymous said...

That's WAY too vague... Sexual assault can mean 1,000 different things from accidentally brushing someone on the shoulder to rape. What are the "specific" allegations.

I've spent enough time on the internet that rumors fly fast (especially in the town of Ruston) and I'd like to know the facts from both sides before I cast judgement on this Bill Walker character.

I've known two individuals whose lives were completely ruined by false allegations. Is the accuser trustworthy? It sure seems like everyone on this site (from previous posts) despises him.

Anonymous said...

Are you going to be able to post the actual papers filed with the Pierce County Court?

I appreciate all of the time you put in to this blog when it comes to summarizing meetings and posting public records.

Anonymous said...

Three points - 1. It's the judge's job to hear both sides of the story. 2. Ask yourself why someone is so despised. You don't have to believe that it's true but listen with an open mind. 3. An official of the town should be above scrutiny. If there are questions then they should be investigated so that reputations are NOT ruined.

Anonymous said...

Anonymos #10
Either follow the court proceedings or read a trashy novel to satisfy your need for"specifics"
Please do keep your mind open to the facts. I admire your fellings of fairness. Please provide the same courtesy to the victim.

Anonymous said...

Just to clarify for everyone - there are no charges at this time. There is an investigation underway. This is a protecton order that requires Mr. Walker to stay away from Ms. Jones (nor can he have others contact her on his behalf).

If any charges are filed, they will be posted here. If the investigation ends with no charges filed, that will be reported here as well. Although I am familar with the allegations, it is best to let the police do their work without a lot of speculation. Both parties deserve respect right now.

Anonymous said...

The police are going to investigate Mr. Walker and commissioner Walker, in turn, will investigate the police. That sounds like fair justice. I forgot, we're in Ruston where policies and rules don't apply.

Anonymous said...

I have known Mr. Walker and Virginia for over two years and I have nothing but good things to say about them. I am a young woman who has lived in Ruston for several years; I have never participated in the politics and the gossip that takes place, and I plan to keep that way. However when someone as respectable as Mr. Walker is accused in such a way and most probably for political reasons, I can't help but feeling nauseated. I have had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Walker on several occasions, and his behavior has always been respectful and gentlemanly. I would encourage the readers to keep in mind that this accusation is most likely nothing more than political slander. Playing the sexual harrasment card with no regard for somebody's life is distasteful and cheap.

Anonymous said...

I am glad the last commenter has a positive relationship with Mr. Walker. But it is not fair to assume this is a politically motivated accusation. I encourage everyone to wait this one out.

Ms. Jones has a lot at stake for sharing her story. It is not an easy situation for her either. It's just as unfair to assume she is lying as it is to assume Mr. Walker is guilty. Let the police do their work and hope that the justice system works...

Anonymous said...

We'll have to wait and see.Might want to find a temp for the civil commission.At least until this is sorted out.

Anonymous said...

I believe there are rules to follow in order to relieve a commissioner. Inocent until proven guilty???? But then we are in Ruston. You don't really think the Mayor is going to do anything to a friend, do you? I feel another lawsuit in the air.

Anonymous said...

This will bring a whole new meaning to "Register".But I don't think it will be at the voting poles.

Anonymous said...

Ok, so someone said this: "I would encourage the readers to keep in mind that this accusation is most likely nothing more than political slander."

Are you a commie pinko wierdo? You might be next! Or maybe you have "Bob Crane" disease?

As for a "temp" how about that one lady, what's her name...Connie? Yeah, get her in there for the job. She'll get everyone all put together in the same corner and teach the Ruston kiddies how to play nice.

Actually, do you know the best solution for this situation, and Ruston? I do! (Amazing--someone actually has a brain here)

Let's see, here's what I would do...

I would...

...ummm...let me think...oh yes! I remember now.

I'd take over the town, fire every single public servant, except maybe for some of the fire department volunteers and the garbage pick up people, and then I'd bring in totally NEW people from a totally different location. Maybe I'd get someone from Olympia to fill Position #1 and get someone else from Bellingham (who probably hasn't even ever heard of Ruston in all their life) and put them in Postion #2, etc...

See where I'm going with this?

Let's get rid of the squabbling kiddies and get totally new green people in here who have NO HISTORY and NO IDEA about what the hell this town does.

That, or maybe we should revert to a Monarchy. That way, someone can call himself the "King of Stack Hill" once and for all. Forget the condos.

Or, we should just get a really big sledgehammer and break Ruston off from the Point Defiance area and let it float off into the bay.

We should turn Ruston into a huge redeveloped area where houses aren't allowed. Only condos. And a Scooter Dealership. Oh, and a stapler repair shop.

Maybe we can rename Ruston to "Squabbleville" or "Don't move here because the council is inept" or perhaps "SOUTH PARK" where just like in the TV show, where stuff happens like cows take over the town and space aliens install probes into everyone's heads and the mayor gets a sneaky plan to make money and the school...

Hey...

That sounds like Ruston. Darn, someone already took that idea.

There. I fixed it. Now everyone can go away. Goodnight.