News 12 at 6 o'clock, June 3, 2009

AUGUSTA, Ga.---He is behind bars, but he is not cut off from the community. After more than 3 years in prison, Charles Walker is setting his sights on the judge who tried his case. Dozens staged a news conference Wednesday calling for justice.

"The judge was wrong," said Champ Walker, Jr. Champ is taking his fight to the streets as his father Charles Walker serves a 10 year prison sentence.

"Throw it out," said Champ. "Throw it out all together."

The case against the former Georgia senate majority leader convicted of mail fraud and tax evasion dates back to 2005.

"If you start off with a poisoned pill," said Champ. "Everybody that drinks from that well will be poisoned."

The Walker family and supporters staged a news conference.

"He is a leader in our community," said Butch Gallop who is a Walker supporter. "We want him back."

"Everybody deserves a fair opportunity," said former Augusta commissioner Marion Williams. "That's what I've been an advocate of. That's what I stand by now."

Dozens gathered calling for justice.

The U.S. Attorney who allegedly started the investigation resigned after the Justice Department suggested he abused his office. Judge Dudley Bowen, who tried the case, is recusing himself as questions surface. In 1979, Senator Walker actively opposed Judge Bowen's nomination.

"Which was a very important time in this judge's life," said Champ. "A nomination for judge. That he would actually preside over a trial. It is insane."

The judge was reportedly a member of several private white-only clubs.

"If you had gone after a judge some 30 years ago and forced him to resign from 5 all male white country clubs," questioned Champ. "Would you want him to be your judge? Is it fair? Is it legal? Certainly not."

Charles Walker was tried in the Southern District of Georgia with Judge Bowen on the bench. Walker's supporters say the justice department is investigating possible misconduct.