If you are going to use your badge to abuse your power, then I will call you out

Bailiff Marcus Walker didn't say anything to Jessica Springer today or the Smith family throughout the jury trial but he called out Jon Goldberg's father in a very loud and unprofessional way this afternoon.

This is how an inexperienced HCSO court deputy who think the badge gives him the power to abuse authority acts. He applies rules inconsistently.

This whole Tim Smith case has been stressful and Deputy Walker is basically a nice guy but he is young and the wrong bailiff for this trial.

The stress in this case has been made worse by having a rookie bailiff who sits there like a dolt, staring into space, applying rules when and to who he feels like calling out.

Twice, I and another reporter, had to tell the bailiff and the Sgt in charge of court security that people were texting in the courtroom. That is still an issue. It isn't the media, it isnt the attorneys. Extra bailiffs and the Sgt walking into the courtroom looking all tough means jackshit if they do nothing.

Deputy Walker ignored the constant talking and whispering of the Smith family throughout the trial and the outburst of Jessica Springer today.

He says nothing to Times-Standard Dan Squier who talks constantly through court proceedings and speaking out his thoughts loudly but one understandable outburst from Jon Goldberg's father when Deputy District Attorney Luke Bernthal calls Jon Goldberg and his family liars and Deputy Walker tells him to step out.

He did the same loud admonishment and drawing attention to Dave Silverbrand to tell Dave not to use his cell phone.

Today, I  walked out at the same time as Deputy Walker and Mr. Goldberg to check on another court case.  Deputy Walker said to Mr. Goldberg "I don't want to talk to you in front of this guy." Prior to this, I haven't had any problems with Deputy Walker. I have given him respect.

Why the 'tude  Deputy Walker? If you do your job professionally, you have nothing to worry about.

Court administration had to escort the jury every day, extra bailiffs in the courtroom and a lot of other "extras" in this case because a rookie bailiff was assigned to the case. From day one, an experienced bailiff would have control and order of the courtroom.

I have covered courts daily for four years and no bailiff has behaved this way towards the public. These problems did not happen when Lt. Dennis Young was in charge of the courts.

Deputy Walker needs to learn to be a court bailiff and how to be professional. It is not his fault he was assigned this trial. Concerns such as this need to be addressed. They have been brought to the attention of administration since they have remained unaddressed at the court security level. I thank Sheriff William Honsal and Lt. Dennis Young for their time today.