Former Johnson County sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to domestic violence charge
A former Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputy admitted Wednesday to severely beating his wife in May.
Eric Leon Walker, 38, pleaded guilty in Johnson County District Court to aggravated battery.
Originally, he also faced charges of aggravated domestic battery and criminal restraint. Both counts were dropped as part of a plea agreement.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office placed Walker on administrative leave following his arrest. The office said Thursday he has not been employed at the sheriff’s office since Nov. 22.
Walker was accused in court documents and at a November court hearing of severely beating his wife in their home last spring.
According to court records Walker became violent during an argument. He allegedly choked his wife before forcing her to the ground and punching her in the face.
When the woman tried to leave, Walker allegedly grabbed her and told her that he and another person were “going to kill her,” court records said.
The woman testified in November that their son was home for part of the altercation.
When she left, the woman went to Olathe Medical Center for treatment. She testified that she initially did not tell hospital officials what had caused her injuries but called police later that night.
While she was at the hospital, the woman told police she received text messages from Walker. In one he allegedly said, “I am gone for good. You went off on me again today for no reason. And I lost my (expletive) on you because of it. We are done.”
When police reached Walker he allegedly admitted to a verbal argument with the woman but denied any physical altercation.
As part of the plea agreement prosecutors will recommend Walker be sentenced to probation rather than jail time, according to court records.
This story was originally published January 9, 2020 at 1:02 PM.
