LANSING (MI)
WPBN - NBC 7 [Traverse City MI]
October 13, 2022
By Brandon Chew
A Michigan priest has been convicted for sex crimes against a child, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday.
Joseph “Jack” Baker, 60, has been convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct — sexual penetration with a person under 13, in Detroit’s 3rd Judicial Circuit Court, Nessel said.
Baker’s sentencing is scheduled for December 19 at 9:00 a.m.
“I want victims of abuse to know they have an advocate in the Attorney General’s office,” Nessel said. “We are committed to ensuring that every case of sexual abuse and assault is thoroughly reviewed and that whenever we are able to pursue justice for a victim, we do so aggressively and relentlessly.”
Baker had been a pastor at St. Perpetua Parish in Waterford, the Michigan Department of Attorney General said.
Baker was charged as a result of a tip that was received by the Archdiocese of Detroit, who then sent a report to Nessel’s clergy abuse team, the department said.
“We must all commit to breaking down the walls of silence that so often surround sexual assault and abuse,” Nessel said. “Today’s verdict is long-awaited justice.”
To learn more about Nessel’s investigation into clergy abuse or to submit information, visit the Attorney General’s website.
Information may also be provided by calling the investigation hotline at 844-324-3374, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Information can also be provided by emailing aginvestigations@michigan.gov.