Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Deputy Dennis Walker Charged with Obscuring His License Plate

Texas

A Precinct 7 constable’s deputy who was assigned to the Toll Road Authority was fired and charged with obscuring his license plate after allegations surfaced that he had been driving on the Sam Houston Tollway without paying, authorities said Tuesday.

Harris County District Attorney spokeswoman Donna Hawkins said Dennis Walker was charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $2,000 fine if convicted.

Walker, 45, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Investigators with the Harris County Toll Road Authority videotaped Walker stopping his personal vehicle at the southeast toll plaza on Jan. 21, court records show.

Walker can be seen taping a piece of paper over his license plate before going through the toll booth, Hawkins said.

About 90 officers are assigned to the 100 miles of Houston’s toll roads, said Assistant Chief Randy Johnson of the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office.

In July 2007, more than 1,000 county employees, including officers, lost the free EZ Tag privileges for their personal vehicles after agency officials reviewed the perk, Johnson said.

Precinct 7 spokeswoman Pamela Greenwood said Walker was terminated this week after eight years with the department.

No comments: