Sergeant Walter McWilson, 37, quoted as a rising star within the Oceanside Police Department, was arrested on suspicion of knowingly receiving fraudulently purchased goods totaling an estimated $54,000 for home improvements which included wood flooring, flat screen TVs, and recording studio equipment. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Thursday, November 12, 2009 in Vista Superior Court to six counts of grand theft, seven counts of receiving stolen property, and one count of conspiracy. McWilson is being held on bail for $150,000 and has a calendared preliminary hearing on December 1, 2009. According to Prosecutor Anne Winn, if he is convicted, McWilson could face up to five years in prison on top of losing his badge.
The investigation began in 2008 with a Murrieta woman, Aimee Rich, who was suspected of embezzling company money from the Oceanside construction company, Royal Pacific Construction. The company's credit card statements revealed that Rich had made several unauthorized purchases at stores like Home Depot and Lowes for herself amounting to nearly $60,000. The District Attorney's Office later revealed that McWilson had had a romantic relationship with Aimee Rich during the time she was employed as the office manager for the construction company. Aimee Rich has plead guilty this past month to felony embezzlement and has been cooperating with prosecutors on McWilson's case. Rich claims that McWilson was aware of her making the illegal purchases and even requested her to buy him many expensive items. So far, McWilson has only admitted to receiving some items as gifts from Rich, but denies knowing that they were purchased illegally.
Fellow officers have expressed great shock at the latest charges and described him as "an up-and-coming sergeant who was passionate about serving the community." McWilson holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and was currently working on his master's degree. Captain Aguigui affirmed that, "There was no indication whatsoever [of this activity]. We saw him as a rising star."
If you have found yourself facing a similar situation, do not hesitate to contact Pro Law Partners immediately to speak with one of our San Diego County criminal defense attorneys.We will provide you with excellent legal representation and will vigorously fight to have any charges against you dropped or reduced. We do everything possible to make sure that our clients receive the attention, resources, and dedicated legal counsel that they deserve.
Sources: San Diego Union Tribune: Kristina Davis
North County Times: Sarah Gordon
