A Virginia man has been sent to prison for 10 years for attempting to traffic a minor in Billings, according to court documents.
Mark Samuel Baker, 57, of Gore, Virginia, was convicted by a federal jury of attempted sex trafficking of a minor on September 19, 2023, following a two-day trial in Missoula.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the trial.
The government alleged that from July 11, 2022 to July 13, 2022, Baker knowingly attempted to recruit and solicit a minor to engage in commercial sex.
During the investigation, an undercover officer used the internet to post an advertisement purporting to be a female escort who was the minimum allowed posting age of 18. About six hours later, the undercover agent received a message in response to the ad from a phone number later identified to be Baker’s.
Baker and the undercover officer communicated over the next two days, discussing how much time $80 would buy, and Baker said he wanted sex with the undercover officer. Baker also sent pictures of the cash he would use and of himself.
Law enforcement arrested Baker on July 13, 2022, when he showed up at the designated time. A call was then placed to the phone number law enforcement had been texting, and a smartphone in Baker’s vehicle lit up with the undercover’s number. Law enforcement found $375 in cash, a hotel passkey, and four condoms on Baker’s person.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, with the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Billings Police Department conducting the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Baker will serve 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. His sentence will be closely monitored to ensure the safety of the community and the rehabilitation of the defendant.
Related Federal Cases
- Corderro Cody Indicted for Sex Trafficking, Philadelphia PA, 2023 · Virginia
- Vivian Yusuf, Medicare Health Care Fraud, Houston TX, 2023 · Texas
- John Mitchell Rutoskey, Healthcare Fraud, TX, 2023 · Texas
- Ashley Onysko, Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking, Avon Lake OH,… · Virginia
- Jeremy Mack, Sex Trafficking and Drug Offenses, Elyria OH, 2023 · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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