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STONEVILLE — After a former policeman was found guilty of rape last week, Stoneville police Chief Mike James planned to take a walk around town.

"It's hard on us, and being out today, you're going to be asked about it," James said Monday.

Gary Roger Walker Jr., 41, was found guilty of second-degree rape Friday in Rockingham County Superior Court.

It was an acquaintance rape; Walker and the female victim knew each other.

The crime occurred in February 2006, when Walker was a Stoneville police officer. His father was the chief then.

Walker was sentenced to a minimum of four years and 10 months in prison. His lawyer has filed an appeal.

James came on as chief of the five-person force three months ago.

By then, Walker was suspended without pay and the Stoneville Town Council had demoted Walker's father to the rank of patrol officer.

Of the trial, James said, "We let the justice system handle it, and we stand behind the jury's verdict."

He said he and other officers feel sympathy for the victim and the defendant, as well as their families.

Meanwhile, residents of Stoneville — population 989 — are talking about the verdict.

Most said they hope to move on soon.

"He should have known better," said Robert Gray, sitting with a friend over lunch at Debbie's Restaurant in downtown Stoneville.

Gray compared police to preachers.

"They both have to set an example," he said.

Across North Henry Street at Farmer's Hardware, Judy Gann said she was surprised to hear about the trial.

"I've never known anything like that to happen here," she said. She said she knew Walker when he was a patrol officer and that he was helpful.

James received phone calls about the trial from a few residents Monday, but there were few questions while on his afternoon walk.

"I went in every business that was open in town," James said.

He visits weekly to see if shopkeepers have questions or need anything.

"I didn't really have anybody wanting to talk," he said. "I was really shocked."

Contact Gerald Witt at 627-4881, Ext. 120, or gwitt@news-record.com