5Linx applicants linked to Walker

Admin   |   30 May, 2015   |   691   |   3980

LITTLE ROCK - A former law maker's links to a multi-level marketing company and the state agency he once directed remains in the Seven-On-Your-Side spotlight.

The question tonight...did Bill Walker know the people his agency was helping become fellow 5Linx business owners?

Walker admits that his agency approved his sister's grant application to become a 5Linx representative.

A state investigation found that three of Walker's cousins also applied.  Walker says that is not true, and he is right.

So...who did apply?  And why?

The halls of the Capitol are lined with the photos of those who have been elected to serve.

In 1983...Grover Richardson represented Little Rock's District 62 in the house..

Four years later, Bill Walker would be the house member from District 62.

Ten days ago, Walker said the name Grover Richardson didn't really ring a bell.

"So you have read the names and do not recognize the names other than your sister?"

"Correct," replied Walker.

"Don't even know the people?"

"Well I don't know if I would know them or not," answered Walker.  "I know so many folks."

"But they are not in your immediate recognition."

"That is correct," said Walker.

On November 2nd the state cut checks totaling over $6,000.00 so Grover Richardson could start his own 5Linx business.

But ten days later, Richardson died.

20 years ago when Walker was attacked by a political opponent, Richardson defended him.

Richardon's son calls Walker a longtime family friend and says it was Walker's idea that they apply to start 5Linx businesses under Walker.

Like his father, Taharka Richardson had his 5Linx small business grant approved by Walker's state agency while Walker was director.

The application of another son, Barry Richardson, was rejected.

Walker is a Senior V.P. with 5Linx and has been with the multi-level marketing firm for over two years.

It remains unknown how much (if at all) Walker personally benefited from the Department of Career Education's business deals with 5Linx while Walker was in charge.