Clayton schools security chief pleads guilty to bribery

His outside employer, Southeast Corrections, and four other companies were competing for the contract, and Judge Walker was serving on a committee appointed by the county commission to evaluate the bids.

Judge Walker said last year that John Walker offered her the bribe in November 2009 and that she reported it to the Clayton County District Attorney.

Clayton school officials have said the school system did not know about and did not approve John Walker's outside work with the probation services company. A Clayton school spokesman would not say Friday whether Walker was still employed by the system.

"The only thing I can tell you is that we're declining to offer comment because it's a personnel matter," said the spokesman, Charles White.

The felony bribery count was punishable by up to 20 years in prison, but the plea deal offered by prosecutors led Superior Court Judge Matthew Simmons to order a five-year sentence, to be served on probation, along with a $750 fine.

Judge Walker said Friday that, though John Walker offered her a campaign contribution, she did not accept it. "Mr. Walker has accepted responsibility for his improper attempt to gain favor in the selection process and is being held publicly accountable for this improper conduct," Judge Walker said. "It is my sincere hope that his arrest and conviction has sent a clear message that no one should attempt to improperly solicit or influence an elected official, especially a judge, and, if they choose to do so, their actions will have criminal consequences."