Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Justin Lee Baker, age 44, from Belcourt, ND, appeared in federal court on January 28, 2025, before District Court Judge Peter Welte and was sentenced to life in federal prison, and $400 in special assessment fees for the offenses of sexual abuse by threat of death or serious bodily injury (two counts) and assault of a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangulation (two counts).
As noted in court documents, in or about August 2020, law enforcement in Belcourt, ND, was dispatched to a residence for a report of a domestic disturbance. Jane Doe 1 reported she had been severely beaten by her boyfriend, identified as Baker. Law enforcement observed extensive bruising throughout Jane Doe 1’s face, neck, chest, arms, and legs, as well as a laceration on top of her head. In or about August 2023, Jane Doe 1 was interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the incident. In addition to describing the physical assault she previously reported, Jane Doe 1 described being sexually assaulted by Baker including him using objects causing excruciating pain. Jane Doe 1 believed Baker was going to kill her. Jane Doe 1 indicated Baker had strangled her and she had lost consciousness during the course of the assault.
Through the course of the investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigations identified several other women physically and sexually assaulted by Baker, including Jane Doe 2. Jane Doe 2 was interviewed in August 2023. She described being held captive in Baker’s camper and being physically and sexually assaulted. Jane Doe 2 described Baker “wailing” on her, strangling her, and sexually assaulting her with his penis. Jane Doe 2 stated the assault caused her to lose consciousness and extreme pain. Jane Doe 2 stated Baker threatened she would be “six feet under” and Jane Doe 2 feared Baker would kill her.
“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 said. “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. I give credit to our career prosecutors and partners in the FBI for obtaining this result and removing this individual from the community.”
“The horrendous sexual abuse committed by Justin Lee Baker is cruel and reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “This sentencing sends a clear message: the FBI will relentlessly pursue those who prey on others, especially the innocent and defenseless, and ensure they are held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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