As always, a great job on the part of Judge Bowen!
Several local charities got early Christmas presents thanks to restitution paid by former state Sen. Charles Walker.
While a committee is still working on how to divide more than $600,000 in restitution set aside for the charity event he co-founded, the CSRA Classic, Judge Dudley H. Bowen Jr. moved ahead this month to disburse about $67,000 in restitution intended for Mr. Walker's campaign coffers.
Mr. Walker had to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes: two advertisers to his now-folded Augusta Focus newspaper, campaign contributors, two public hospitals, and contributors to the CSRA Classic.
Mr. Walker was convicted of mail fraud, conspiracy and tax crimes in 2005. He is serving a 10-year prison sentence.
Judge Bowen withheld the restitution payment to the CSRA Classic, asking the charity to provide a plan for how the money would be used. When the deadline for submitting the plan passed recently, Judge Bowen appointed a three-member committee to devise a plan in keeping with the charity's stated mission: to inspire youth leadership and provide scholarships for disadvantaged students.
The judge waited to hear from anyone connected with Mr. Walker's political campaign about the restitution it was due -- $67,008 plus interest. When there was no response, he sought guidance from what Georgia law says about excessive campaign funds, Judge Bowen wrote in a Dec. 11 order. The law allows such funds to be given to charity.
"We are honored to have been chosen to receive some of the monies ... These funds will be used for scholarships for deserving and needy families whose children attend Heritage Academy," Executive Director Linda Tucciarone wrote in an e-mail response this week. The inner-city Christian school was founded to serve children from disadvantaged families.
Dan Hillman, the director of the Child Enrichment Center of Augusta, which was founded to help abused children, said he couldn't think of any charity not in need of funds this year. The center has had more than 800 child clients this year.
Reach Sandy Hodson at (706) 823-3226 or sandy.hodson@augustachronicle.com.
RECIPIENTS
| CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION | CONTRIBUTION |
| Sacred Heart Cultural Center | $5,000 |
| The Augusta Museum of History | $5,000 |
| Empty Stocking Fund | $2,500 |
| Augusta State University Foundation | $10,000 |
| Augusta Symphony | $3,000 |
| Child Enrichment | $5,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Augusta | $5,000 |
| Community Foundation for the CSRA (VA Fisher House) | $5,000 |
| Molly's Militia | $2,500 |
| Boy Scouts of America | $5,000 |
| Heritage Academy | $10,000 |
| Salvation Army | $4,000 |
| The Hale House (interest paid on the restitution) | $5,008 |
Comments
As always, a great job on the part of Judge Bowen!
I can bet you one thing, if the Prez. Elect does a little watching there will be plenty more in there with Walker. Politicians have been crooks for a long time, like the recent Gov. what greed he already had a great career & throw it away for money! Who doesn't like money, but to do something that can land one in prison, for money. What a fool, the seven deadly sins. Stay away from them & you'll be fine!
please learn proper grammar before posting. you come off as an idiot.
Palomino9, who made you the grammar authority? Before inforcing rules for others you need to be sure you are perfect. Look at your own post!
to many crooket people
If we are going to give $ to an animal rescue group than what about the other animal rescue groups within the CSRA (i.e Heartsong, Happy Tails, etc).
HTN007: I agree with you that the judge did a great job.
All of the money should have gone towards the Kroc center.
merry Christmas! from charles walker, the dirtiest player ever to have played the game
This money should've went to the community he stole it from. Just don't find any organizations to give the money too. Because I seriously doubt that the prople on the board of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center attended a CSRA classic event.
Should have GONE to the community he stole it from, you idiot.
Double Standard, the article clearly states that the CSRA Classic failed to give a plan on how the money would be spent so obviously they didn't want it!
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