In March, Derek Walker, 33, Bigler, had filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming that William A. Shaw Jr.'s filing of charges against him was timed to derail his bid for the Republican nomination for the 5th U.S. Congressional district seat in 2008.
On July 10, that suit was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson, because Shaw has prosecutorial immunity.
Thursday, Walker's attorney, Stephen R. Greenberg, filed an amended petition that goes further in its accusations of Shaw's intentions when he filed charges of burglary, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, stalking and criminal attempt to invade privacy against Walke days prior to the April 2008 primary election.
Walker's new suit accuses Shaw of soliciting or coercing false statements from witnesses who said that Walker admitted to videotaping his ex-girlfriend when he entered her Clearfield apartment and saw her with another man in August 2007.
It also claims Shaw tried to coerce Walker's ex-girlfriend into making false statements implicating Walker in additional crimes. According to the petition, the girlfriend refused to cooperate with Shaw and asked him not to pursue the charges.
"Plaintiff Walker's constitutionally protected right to run for public office was severely infringed upon," the petition states. It contends Shaw's actions were intentional and malicious.
Indications from police had been that the delay in the charges was due to a problem obtaining cell phone records.
Walker lost the Republican nomination to Glenn Thompson of Howard, who went on to win the seat in the general election.
Walker finished third with Matt Shaner taking second place. Reports indicate Walker spent $800,000 on his campaign.
In the order granting the motion to dismiss the previous petition, the judge said, "The right to campaign for elected office does not equate to a right to succeed in being elected."
The dismissal order also noted that Walker pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to probation.
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