Man charged with sex offense

Robert Walker, 40, of Gainesville, has been charged in connection with a sodomy case that has been filed against him. He was arraigned Oct. 10 before Associate Judge Raymond Gross and is ordered to return to court for a criminal setting Oct. 29. 

The case was filed Sept. 26 by Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney Lee Pipkins. 

According to the probable cause statement, prepared by Ozark County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Sherman on June 20, 2023, a woman reported to authorities that Walker sexually assaulted her in May 2023. The complaint in the case says the act was done under “forcible compulsion.” The woman said that she sought medical attention in the following days for injuries, which were caused by the assault. The statement also says the woman reported that a child was present at the time of the assault.

If convicted of the unclassified felony charge, Walker faces a sentence of 5 to 30 years in prison or life imprisonment. If convicted, he would also be required to register as a sex offender and be under lifetime supervision. 

Christopher Swatosh has filed as Walker’s defense attorney.