Opening statements and testimony are expected to begin at the Miller County Courthouse this morning for a Fouke, Ark., man accused of sexually abusing a male relative.
Michael David Lee Walker, 32, is accused of molesting the boy when the boy was less than 15 in 2004 and 2007, according to court records. A jury of eight men and four women was selected Monday afternoon to decide the case and given instructions to return to the Miller County courthouse this morning by Circuit Judge Carlton Jones.
Michael Walker's wife, Sarah Walker, 30, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual assault and a single count of sexual indecency with a child at a hearing in April 2016. Sarah Walker received a seven-year term of probation as part of a plea bargain and must register as a sex offender.
Sarah Walker sexually assaulted the boy in 2008, when he was 10, and again in 2013, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Michael Walker allegedly began abusing the boy when he was 5 or 6.
Michael Walker is accused of sexually abusing two minor female relatives as well but the jury chosen this week is not being asked to determine if he is guilty in those cases.
However, if found guilty of abusing the boy, it is possible the other alleged victims could take the stand during the punishment phase of Michael Walker's trial.
Michael Walker is facing charges of rape and sexual indecency with a child in connection with his alleged abuse of the boy. If convicted of rape, Michael Walker faces 25 to 40 years or life. Sexual indecency is punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Three counts of rape and a charge of second-degree sexual assault related to the other alleged victims remain pending in Miller County. Michael Walker has been in the Miller County jail since November 2015. Bail is set at $500,000.
Walker is represented by Texarkana lawyer Darren Anderson. Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Connie Mitchell and Kristian Robertson are representing the state.