Charges dropped against ex-Pasco teacher accused of inappropriate messages
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Two counts dismissed after prosecutors and detective couldn't reach the two victims
- Charges tied to 2019 and 2023 messages dismissed without prejudice; could be refiled.
- Probe began after a former student reported grooming and rape; no charges filed.
The charges were dropped against a former Pasco teacher accused of sending inappropriate messages to two students.
Prosecutors haven’t been able to reach the two teens who told investigators that Shakell Walker, 35, made suggestive comments through social media.
“Neither my office nor the assigned detective could get a hold of them to advance the case through the court process,” Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Astley said.
Walker taught at McLoughlin Middle School until 2024, and no longer works at the district.
Walker has been facing two counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes since May 2024. The charges were tied to messages sent to former students in 2019 and 2023.
The charges were dismissed without prejudice, which means they can be filed again.
Walker’s attorney Deric Orr said his client is grateful the matter is resolved.
“Having this case pending for such a long time has been extremely stressful, and the dismissal brings a sense of vindication and relief. He is ready to move forward and focus on rebuilding and getting back to his life,“ Orr told the Tri-City Herald.
Accusations
Pasco police began investigating Walker after a former student told a neighbor that he had “groomed” her and the neighbor contacted police, court documents said.
Court records said the student was reluctant to speak to police, but said Walker started sending messages through SnapChat and continued after the girl went to high school. There were more serious allegations but no charges were filed.
As police investigated they discovered two other teens who were former students whom Walker contacted using social media.
In one, Walker allegedly responded to a picture in 2019 of the student in the shower by asking where his invite was.
He also allegedly replied to a picture showing a different student along with his girlfriend on a Valentine’s Day date. Walker allegedly said he thought he was the student’s Valentine.