Aggie QB charged with rape; Walker set to enter plea today in court

Utah State University football player Jerod Walker was arrested by university police Thursday night and booked into the Cache County Jail on one count 1st degree felony rape, but was released soon after posting the $10,000 bail.

According to a press release from the USU department of public safety, the charges came after police investigated a report from a USU student saying Walker raped her in his on-campus residence April 9.

“After collecting statements from witnesses and other evidence, the matter was reviewed by the Cache County Attorney’s office who agreed enough probably cause existed to charge Walker with the crime,” the release stated.

Lieutenant Steve Milne, who arrested the 19-year-old Walker, said when Walker was contacted he voluntarily turned himself in – meaning there was no warrant issued for his arrest. However, Walker did not confess to the charges.

“[Walker] came in and he’s been cooperative with us,” Milne said. “He told us his side of the story, that it was consensual … other evidence indicated that it was not consensual.”

Because Walker was able to post bail, Milne said there will be an arraignment sometime this week. That arraignment is expected to take place today, according to one report. At that time Walker will appear before the judge and enter his official plea, Milne said.

He said they are not releasing any more information at this time in order to give Walker a fair trial. Because he is charged with a first degree felony, Milne said if Walker is convicted he could face a penalty from five years in prison to life.

As far as he understands, Milne said Walker has been suspended from the football team “pending the outcome of the investigation and legal proceedings.”

Walker, a freshman, is vying for a position as starting quarterback next season for the Aggies. He started two games in his first year at USU averaging 73 yards passing per game while completing 70 percent of his passes.

-aedmunds@cc.usu.edu