Oklahoma Mother Convicted After Failing to Protect 11-Year-Old Daughter from Sexual Abuse

An Oklahoma jury has recommended life sentences for Cherie Walker after finding her guilty of enabling the sexual abuse of her 11-year-old daughter and multiple counts of child neglect.

Walker was convicted on one count of enabling child sexual abuse and six counts of child neglect following a trial in Muskogee County. Jurors recommended life in prison on all seven counts, with formal sentencing to take place at a later date.

Prosecutors said the case came to light in August 2025 after authorities discovered the 11-year-old girl had given birth inside the family’s home without receiving any prenatal care or medical assistance. Investigators alleged Walker knew her husband, Dustin Walker, had been sexually abusing the child but failed to protect her.

DNA testing later confirmed Dustin Walker was the baby’s father. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a child under 12 and six counts of child neglect. He was sentenced to life in prison on the sexual abuse charge, along with consecutive prison terms for the neglect convictions.

During the trial, prosecutors presented testimony from law enforcement officers, emergency responders, medical professionals, child welfare workers, church members and family members before the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts.

Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson described the lasting impact on the victim, saying the young girl endured severe trauma after being sexually abused and forced to give birth at home without medical care.

The investigation has also resulted in charges against the victim’s grandmother, Michelle Justus, who has pleaded not guilty to a child neglect charge. Her trial is scheduled to begin later this month.