Judge Elizabeth Gutmann accepted Baker’s no contest pleas and found him guilty. She ordered a pre-sentence investigation. A sentencing date was not set.
Baker made no comment during the brief hearing. His lawyer, Robert Huffman Jr., said Baker had reviewed his rights and waived any reading of the charges in court. County Prosecutor Gary Nasal said prosecutors would not oppose Baker’s continued release on his own recognizance with provisions including he has no contact with the girl.
Police in December confirmed they were investigating a complaint against Baker. He was not a teacher in the district and his supplemental coaching contract was not renewed by the board of education in December.
Police Capt. Chris Anderson said the case involved a girl who now is 16. He said analysis of phone records over 187 days beginning in June showed more than 14,600 text messages between Baker and the girl along with more than 900 phone calls.
The girl’s parents contacted police after the father received a text message he thought was inappropriate. The text apparently was sent by accident to the father by Baker instead of to the girl, according to a police report. Baker told the parents he intended the text in question for his girlfriend. Baker had contacted the parents via text previously, the report said.
The girl told investigators she talked with Baker about school or soccer 10 to 15 times a day via text, according to police reports.
Baker was a coach in Troy since 1995 when he was assistant varsity boys’ soccer coach. He moved to head varsity girls’ coach in the 1998/99 school year.
Baker’s coaching contract was not renewed, as were contracts for all athletics in addition to clubs and department chairs. A new coach has since been hired.
About the Author