A prominent Petal businessman and founder of the International Checker Hall of Fame is free on bond following his arrest on money-laundering charges.
Charles Walker, 72, was arrested Friday by immigration and customs agents on a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's office.
According to the complaint, Walker attempted to conduct a financial transaction with money that was reportedly obtained illegally in an effort to conceal or disguise the source of the money.
The investigation of Walker began last July, and according to the affadavit, an uncover agent with immigration and customs met several times with Walker and had at least 19 phone conversations for the purpose of laundering money from illegal drug smuggling.
Court records show that Walker agreed to launder the money in exchange for a 10 percent fee.
According to documents, Walker would take the illegal money and run it through his own accounts, then pay the uncover agent, less 10 percent. Walker also agreed to hire the undercover agent, create a corporation, and give the corporation a tax number.
Documents show Walker received his first 10 percent fee in November during a meeting at Bobby Chain Airport. The money was concealed in a box of Bounce fabric softener to cover the scent of drugs from dope-sniffing dogs.
Walker and the uncover agent also planned to use the illegal money to purchase property Walker owned in Petal. Walker also gave the undercover agent documents to establish an offshore bank account in Nevis, an island in the Caribbean.
According to the affadavit, Walker and the agent agreed to meet in Gulfport on Jan. 8 to complete the sale of Walker's property.
According to documents, Walker said: "I really need large bills. Hundreds if possible because you know I need to store them."
Agents arrested Walker the day before the transaction was to be made.
Walker is free on $100,000 bond.
Officials say the case is expected to be presented to a federal grand jury.
Source: WDAM-TV
