BEAUMONT, Texas — After years of appeals, the trial for a former Beaumont Independent School District electrical contractor got underway Tuesday at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Calvin Walker was indicted in 2014 for fraudulent billing practices and money laundering. That indictment stated that Walker had "intent to harm or defraud Beaumont Independent School District."
Walker is accused of overcharging BISD while he worked as an electrical contractor for the district. Walker's Electric Company was contracted for electrician services for BISD.
In opening statements Tuesday, prosecutors told the jury that this trial is expected to be quick and they plan to call only four witnesses.
Prosecutors told jurors that Walker profited more than $1 million after making fraudulent invoices for work supplies.
Walker's attorney Dick Deguerin told jurors that evidence will show Walker's work to install wiring for 40 temporary classrooms on two campuses coast more than just $58,000.
The case goes back to 2009 when BISD hired Walker to do electrical work at two temporary campuses.
Today documents were shown to the jury showing delivery receipts, quotes and purchase orders with dates and amounts.
Former BISD chief financial officer Jane Kinglsey was been called to the stand as the first witness for the prosecution and testified about writing a $1.2 Million check to Walker in 2009 for materials.
Walker's defense attorney disputed a delivery receipt to Summit Electric for supplies that Walker appeared to have paid for.
The store manager in Beaumont for Summit Electric Supply took the stand and explained the description and cost of items his company sold to Walker.
Walker has denied all of the charges against him. His case is one of several uncovered in investigations of BISD fraud.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has refused to hear an appeal filed by Walker's attorney. He argued that Judge John Stevens violated Walker's due process by denying a request for a hearing on subpoenas asking for evidence in the case.
In March 2016 the Ninth District Court of Appeals denied a motion to dismiss six charges against Walker in an ongoing Federal trial. Walker argued that the trial court had rule don his motion without conducting an evidentiary hearing and without notifying him that it would be ruling on his motion without a hearing.
More than 200 jurors were pooled in this case. Attorneys have been concerned that it would be hard to seat an impartial jury in this case.
Testimony continues Wedesday morning.