Dustin Joel Walker, 35, received a life sentence plus 42 years Monday in Muskogee County District Court after pleading guilty to sexually abusing his 11-year-old stepdaughter and forcing her to give birth at home without any prenatal care or medical assistance.
Background
Oklahoma authorities discovered the abuse after the child gave birth to a full-term baby inside the Walker family residence. Investigators allege Walker repeatedly abused the girl over an extended period, resulting in the pregnancy, while other adults in the household failed to provide basic care, supervision, or medical attention. Court records indicated the victim had not seen a doctor in more than a year prior to giving birth.
The victim's biological mother, Cherie Walker, and maternal grandmother, Michelle Justus, have also been arrested and face charges related to the alleged abuse. Prosecutors said the child had been pulled out of school during this period, limiting opportunities for teachers or medical professionals to identify signs of abuse.
"This child is traumatized. She's been through a horrific ordeal," Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson told Tulsa-based CBS affiliate KOTV. "I mean, not only has somebody gotten her pregnant, but she gave birth at home without medical assistance, and this will be her life for the rest of her life."
The Charges
Walker pleaded guilty in March to all seven counts under a blind plea agreement—meaning no sentencing recommendation was made to the court. District Judge Timothy King imposed the sentence Monday.
The single count of sexual abuse of a child under 12 carries a mandatory life sentence. The six counts of child neglect resulted in an additional 42 years, which Walker must serve before beginning his life term. State law requires Walker complete at least 85% of his prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. If released, he faces three years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. He is also prohibited from contacting the victims.
DNA testing conducted during the investigation showed "99% certainty" that Walker is the infant's father, according to Hutson.
Key Takeaways
- Dustin Joel Walker sentenced to life plus 42 years for sexual abuse and child neglect in Oklahoma
- Life sentence stems from single count of sexual abuse of a child under 12
- 42-year term for six counts of child neglect must be served before life sentence begins
- DNA evidence established 99% certainty that Walker fathered the victim's infant
- Victim gave birth at home without prenatal care; had not seen doctor in over a year
- Biological mother Cherie Walker faces trial on July 13; grandmother Michelle Justus also charged
- Walker must serve minimum 85% of sentence before parole eligibility, register as sex offender
What's Next
Cherie Walker's trial is scheduled to begin July 13 in Muskogee County District Court. She has denied knowing the child was pregnant. Michelle Justus remains pending resolution of her charges. The infant's welfare and placement were not addressed during Monday's proceedings.