Yesterday, Fred Walker, a 73-year-old resident of Taunton was convicted by a Bristol County jury for sexually abusing his preteen step-grandson. The crimes occurred multiple times between July 2018 and May 2021, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office confirmed.
WBSM reports the abuse occurred at the child's grandmother's house in Taunton during the victim's visits. The incident came to light when the victim disclosed the abuse to his older brother, leading to a three-day jury trial at Fall River Superior Court. The victim, his mother, and older brother all testified regarding the abuse.
Following his conviction on charges of indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, Judge Susan Sullivan handed down a sentence for Walker to five to eight years in state prison.
Commending the young survivor, Bristol County District Attorney, Thomas Quinn III expressed his admiration for the victim's courage throughout the traumatic experience. As quoted in the Boston.com article, the District Attorney stated: "The defendant took advantage of his access to the victim when they were home alone, personally I commend the victim for his courage."
Despite avoiding arrest between May 2021 and April 2022, U.S Marshals Service located Walker in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and apprehended him. Walker was living with a family member by the time officials effected an arrest warrant issued in February 2022.
