March 29, 2024

Former Iowa fire chief pleads not guilty to lying about fire

MISSOURI VALLEY — A May trial has been scheduled for a former western Iowa fire chief accused of lying to investigators about a fire. Forty-four-year-old Johnnie Walker entered the plea on Monday and described the situation as “just a big misunderstanding.” His trial is set to begin on May 8. Court documents say Walker is charged with interference with official acts and reporting false information.

Both are misdemeanors. Walker resigned from his post as chief of the Missouri Valley volunteer department after he was arrested.

The charges stem from a March 7 fire at a vacant house. The Iowa State Fire Marshal Division says Walker provided false information to police who later investigated the fire.