Smithville Man Charged With Incest and Rape of a Child

Smithville Police have charged a 32 year old man with the rape of a 12 year old child.
Chief Thomas J. Stufano says Steven Baker of 439 Lafever Street, Smithville is charged with statutory rape by an authority figure, rape of a child, and incest.
The arrest was made Friday after an investigation by officers and detectives assigned to the Smithville Police Sexual Assault Unit.
Stufano says ” Officers working with the Department of Children Services had been investigating a third party report suggesting that Baker had possibly been sexually active with a 12 year old family member.”
“Upon contacting Baker, the investigators were able to determine that he had a lengthy liaison over the last three years with the minor and other female juveniles living around his residence”.
Chief Stufano says “Baker would lure the children into watching pornographic films and then enter into childish touching games that eventually led to more aggressive sexual contact.”
“During the course of this investigation, Baker admitted to his past sexual contacts with children.”
The investigation is continuing. Baker was booked into the DeKalb County Jail under a $250,000 bond.
Stufano says the Smithville Police Department has established a specialized Sexual Assault Unit that actively investigates these types of crimes. “These highly trained investigators work closely with schools, churches, civic organizations, and State Child Protective Services to protect the rights of these victims and also protect the victims and witnesses confidentiality. Our residents are encouraged to contact the Police Department if they suspect that this type of activity may be occurring.”