Man accused of molesting niece following THPD investigation

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

Officers arrested a local man on a warrant yesterday following a Terre Haute Police Department molestation investigation.
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Baker/ Vigo Co. Jail

Jimmy L. Baker Jr.,24,  was booked into the Vigo County Jail around 1:40 p.m. He is charged with child molesting - a level 1 felony.

The alleged molesting occurred between Jan. 1, 2015 - Oct. 31, 2016, beginning when the victim, now 11, was 8-years-old. The suspect is the girl's uncle, whom reportedly is disabled and doesn't work. He was living with her family at the time when they lived with her step-dad at a residence on Terre Haute's south side.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Detective Sanford Scott Jr., of the Terre Haute Police Department, Baker began  a pattern of showing  favoritism to the victim. Eventually, he allegedly began soft touching of her stomach under her shirt, as she was on the bed watching him  play video games.

The victim, described by officials as emotional during the interview,  reported that, " after a couple of times, Jimmy would make her 'suck it,' referring to Jimmy's penis,"the court documents state. He allegedly told her not to tell anyone what happened.

The victim initially told her case manager about the sexual abuse while being interviewed about her step-father last month. When talking with her case manager, she recounted how she didn't understand what was happening while the abuse by Baker was occurring  -- and she was scared to talk about it for some time.

The vicitm's mother informed officers her daughter had recently told her the same details of the incidents. She immediately confronted the suspect by using Facebook messenger.

When detectives interviewed the suspect at THPD headquarters, he reportedly denied the accusations. He was taken into custody a short time later. Meanwhile, Baker is held in the jail on a $75,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Vigo Superior Court 1 April 23, before Judge John Roach.

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