Trial delayed in Walden rape case

Trial was delayed for former Oak Grove Police Officer Ben Walden Wednesday in Christian Circuit Court as he awaits the completion of evidence testing.

Special prosecutor Ralph Vick requested the delay, informing the court that he is still waiting for testing of several electronic devices to be done, which may not be done in time for the originally scheduled March 28.

Defense attorney Rick Boling had no objection to the delay, so Circuit Judge Andrew Self vacated the trial date and set a pretrial conference for April 11, when he hopes the evidence will be in.

Walden is facing numerous charges including first degree rape, first degree sodomy, intimidating a participant in the legal process, retaliating against a participant in the legal process, tampering with evidence, official misconduct, permitting prostitution, terroristic threatening and fourth degree assault.

This case coincides with a Kentucky State Police investigation were there had been complaints that three women were being held against their will at the Quality Inn and forced to have sex with several men.