Former Metro Detroit priest convicted of sexually assaulting a child

DETROIT – A 60-year-old priest has been convicted of kid intercourse crimes in Wayne County.

Joseph “Jack” Baker, 60, of Wayne, was convicted of first-degree legal sexual conduct sexual penetration with an individual beneath 13.

Baker had been a pastor at St. Perpetua Parish in Waterford, Michigan since 2008. Earlier than that, he was a pastor at St. Mary Parish in Wayne, affiliate pastor at Sacred Coronary heart Parish in Dearborn, and affiliate pastor at St. Hugo of the Hills Parish in Bloomfield Hills.

Earlier: Metro Detroit priest barred from public ministry after allegations of intercourse abuse

“I would like victims of abuse to know they have an advocate within the Lawyer Basic’s workplace,” stated Michigan Lawyer Basic Dana Nessel. “We’re dedicated to making sure that each case of sexual abuse and assault is completely reviewed and that each time we’re capable of pursue justice for a sufferer, we accomplish that aggressively and relentlessly. We should all decide to breaking down the partitions of silence that so usually encompass sexual assault and abuse. As we speak’s verdict is long-awaited justice.”

The cost got here after Nessel’s workplace acquired a tip from the Archdiocese of Detroit, which acquired the unique report and instantly reported it to the lead prosecutor on Lawyer Basic Nessel’s clergy abuse staff.

Nessel’s workplace seized 1.5 million paper paperwork, 3.5 million digital paperwork by warrants executed in October 2018 as a part of its clergy abuse investigation. Up to now, the staff has secured legal costs towards 11 individuals with ties to the Catholic Church and a number of convictions.

Baker can be held within the Wayne County Jail till he’s sentenced on Dec. 19 at 9 a.m.

Do you have got details about the Catholic Church that may assist the lawyer normal’s workplace examine? You possibly can go away an nameless tip by clicking right here or calling the investigation hotline at 844-324-3374 (M-F from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Learn: Extra crime protection