The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana has recognized the retirement of Assistant United States Attorney John Luke Walker after 36 years of federal service, as well as the departure of Vicki Chance, a longtime support staff member who will now work for the federal district court following 33 years with the office.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller stated, “Luke and Vicki represent the best that public service has to offer: two people who have dedicated their lives to keeping their Louisiana community safe, with Luke standing up in court and Vicki working behind the scenes to advocate for victims of some of the most serious crimes that occur in our society. Their tenures at the Office, each spanning well more than three decades, are models of integrity, professionalism, and devotion to justice that have shaped not just generations of prosecutors and staff in our Office but also their Louisiana communities as well.”
Walker’s career included leading efforts against online child exploitation, notably through dismantling the “Dreamboard” website in a case involving 72 defendants. He also prosecuted cases involving child abuse and public corruption within Louisiana district attorney offices. His work contributed to increased public trust in local institutions. Walker received several honors for his service, including the Department of Justice’s Child Protection Award in 2013 and a Director’s Award in 2017.
Chance served nearly two decades as victim-witness coordinator and also assisted with press releases and organizing community events. She previously worked as legal assistant to both the U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney for 13 years.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, “The United States Attorney’s Office is only as strong and as dedicated to its mission and the public as its people: they are what make it possible for the Office to fulfill its mission to protect our Louisiana community. Luke and Vicki were and remain models to all of us for that service.”
