First of six officers in King City police scandal resolves case

Sergeant Mark Baker of Paso Robles has entered a no contest plea to false imprisonment as a misdemeanor. The 45 year old Baker, is the first of six King City police officers charged in the department scandal.

When Baker is sentenced he’ll receive 5 years of probation with a condition that he not possess any firearms. The maximum sentence is one year of confinement. Baker’s sentencing is scheduled on March 18, 2015.

On August 19, 2013, Baker’s personal truck was stolen. The truck was recovered by King City Police on August 22, after being stripped. The following day, Baker while on duty sought out the thief. After locating the victim at a King City Motel he confronted him and threatened him by telling him that he was going to “make him disappear, and not to jail.”

Baker was in uniform and armed when he made this threat.

The victim, believing the threat, then confessed to possessing the items stolen from the defendant’s truck. Baker gave him two hours to return the items including $40 for the gas used after the truck was stolen. After the victim returned the items the defendant made no arrest and never filed a police report.

The case was investigated by the District Attorneys office and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.