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October 16, 2006

Webbers Falls man faces sex charges

By D. E. Smoot

A Webbers Falls man faces sexual assault charges in Muskogee County District Court after he allegedly forced a 14-year-old neighbor to engage in sexual acts.

Authorities said Walter Gilbert, 50, took advantage of an open door to get inside an apartment where the girl lives. Muskogee County Sheriff’s Investigator Jan Ray said the girl’s aunts walked in on Gilbert and the girl during the alleged assault.

“It was hot Saturday, and the door was open in the apartment,” Ray said. “He just walked right in on her while she was folding clothes.”

Ray said the girl’s aunts called Webbers Falls Police Department to report the alleged assault. Webbers Falls authorities contacted Ray, who interviewed Gilbert’s alleged victim.

“She told us he (Gilbert) forced himself upon her,” Ray said. “And we have witnesses who saw the acts.”

According to Ray, the alleged attack occurred during daylight hours.

“People need to be more aware about keeping their doors closed to keep this kind of thing from happening,” Ray said.

Gilbert, who was convicted in 1985 for two larceny-related crimes prosecuted in Muskogee County, was ordered held without bond.

He remains in Muskogee County/City Detention Facility pending the filing of criminal charges.



Reach D.E. Smoot at 684-2903 or dsmoot@muskogee phoenix.com.

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