Mac Schneider, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of North Dakota
Mac Schneider, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of North Dakota
United States Attorney Mac Schneider has announced the sentencing of Justin Lee Baker, a 44-year-old resident of Belcourt, ND. Baker appeared in federal court on January 28, 2025, where District Court Judge Peter Welte sentenced him to life in federal prison and imposed $400 in special assessment fees. The charges against Baker include two counts of sexual abuse by threat of death or serious bodily injury and two counts of assaulting a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangulation.
Court documents reveal that in August 2020, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance report in Belcourt, ND. Jane Doe 1 reported being severely beaten by her boyfriend, identified as Baker. Officers noted extensive bruising on Jane Doe 1's body and a laceration on her head. In August 2023, she was interviewed by the FBI about the incident. She recounted the physical assault and detailed being sexually assaulted with objects causing severe pain. Jane Doe 1 feared for her life as she believed Baker intended to kill her.
The investigation uncovered multiple victims who had been physically and sexually assaulted by Baker, including Jane Doe 2. During an interview in August 2023, Jane Doe 2 described being held captive in Baker's camper and subjected to physical and sexual assaults. She recounted losing consciousness during the assault due to strangulation and experiencing extreme pain. Jane Doe 2 also reported threats from Baker that made her fear for her life.
"This sentence is a fitting one considering the brutality and depravity of the defendant’s crimes against his domestic partners and women in the community," Schneider stated. "Domestic violence and sexual abuse are serious crimes, and as this case shows we will not hesitate to bring abusers to federal court to face justice where our office has jurisdiction."
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis remarked, "The horrendous sexual abuse committed by Justin Lee Baker is cruel and reprehensible... This sentencing sends a clear message: the FBI will relentlessly pursue those who prey on others."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to these charges.
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