Assignment Record – Brother Stephen P. Baker, T.O.R. aka Paul Stephen Baker

Summary of Case: A Third Order Regular Franciscan brother of the Province of the Immaculate Conception, Stephen P. Baker was a religion teacher, baseball coach and athletic trainer at high schools in Youngstown OH, Johnstown PA, Orchard Lake MI and Inver Lake MN. He was also assigned at some point earlier in his career to high schools and a boys' home in Norfolk VA. Baker is said to have sexually abused "dozens, if not hundreds" of students, mostly male. His modus operandi is said to have been to tell athletes they needed massages to prevent injuries, then to proceed to rub them down with oils, including their genitals. He is also accused of digitally penetrating them. Former students have said he would grope them in hallways and during religion class. One former female student has reported that he requested she show up for treatment of a sports injury in loose fitting clothing and no underwear. Baker was the subject of a 2012 settlement with eleven of his accusers. He is said by a superior to have been removed from ministry "long before 2010." Baker took his own life January 26, 2013. In October 2014 the diocese of Altoona-Johnstown PA, the Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Third Order Regular Franciscans and Bishop McCort High School settled with 88 former Bishop McCourt students who alleged sexual abuse by Baker.

1970s

Richmond bishop was John Joyce Russell (1958-1973), followed by Walter Francis Sullivan (1974-2003).

1977

St. Paul and Minneapolis archbishop was John Robert Roach (1975-1995).

Inver Grove Heights

• Baker was accused of sexually abusing a boy who met Baker when he was an 8th grader in 1977. The boy's mother taught religion class with with Baker at St. Patrick's. This accuser reported the abused to the archdiocese in 2003, who referred him to the T.O.R. Provincial Superior, Rev. Anthony Criscitelli. The man received a settlement from the T.O.R.s in 2005.

1983

Detroit archbishop was Edmund Casimir Szoka (1981-1990).

Orchard Lake

• A man who received a settlement from the T.O.R.s in 2005 after reporting abuse as a child by Baker in MN said he was told in 2003 by T.O.R. Provincial Superior, Rev. Anthony Criscitelli, that "there was a similar abuse claim from Michigan".

• In March 2013 the father of a former St. Mary's student stated publicly that in March 1985 he confronted Baker and a St. Mary's administrator after learning that Baker sexually abused the man's son.

• By March 27, 2013 six former St. Mary's students had emerged with accusations that Baker sexually abused them. All came forward after Baker's suicide.

St. Mary's prep. had 235-219 students, all male.

On Jan. 31, 2013 Detroit archdiocesan officials said that there have been no reports of abuse against Baker.

Aug. 1985

Youngstown bishop was James William Malone (1968-1995).

Youngstown

• Baker was accused in a lawsuit of the sexual abuse of 10 male JFK students, and a boy from another
school, from 1986-1990. His accusers said his modus operandi was to tell them they needed massages to avoid sports injuries, then to fondle and digitally penetrate them. They said he also groped students in the hallways, and that sexual abuse also occurred on sports the teams' road trips.

• In late 2012 a 12th man not involved in the earlier lawsuit disclosed past abuse by Baker.

• In Jan. 2013, after allegations of Baker's abuse became known publicly, many more accusers came forward. By Jan. 18 there were 18 alleged victims from JFK and 2 from another school, St. Mary's. By Nov. 2013 there were 25 more claims against Baker, stemming from his time in the Youngstown diocese.

• One former JFK student, a woman, disclosed in Jan. 2013 that when she was being treated for a sports injury Baker told her to come back to the training room at 6pm in loose fitting shirts and no underwear. She did not comply.

• In Feb. 2013 the mother of a former student stated that her son took his own life in 2003 due to having been abused by Baker. She added that she knew other Baker victims whose lives were "turned upside-down."

Diocesan officials stated in Jan. 2013 that they first became aware of allegations against Baker in 2009.

Youngstown bishop George Murray said in Jan. 2013 that the diocese settled because they believed the allegations against Baker to be credible.

Warren

• Baker has been accused of abusing students at St. Mary's.

1992

Altoona-Johnstown bishop was Joseph Victor Adamec (1987-2011).

Bishop McCort High School

Johnstown

• When news of the allegations against Baker broke in Jan. 2013, former McCort students began to surface with their own accounts of abuse by Baker in the 1990s-more than 15 by Jan. 19. Again, the former students said Baker would have them strip naked in the athletic training room, and proceed to massage them, genitals included. There were also reports of Baker groping students during religion class. By Nov. 2013 more than 80 former students, mostly male, had come forward with allegations against Baker of sexual abuse.

• In a March 2013 lawsuit a woman accused Baker of sexually abusing her when she was a Bishop McCort student. She said the abuse began when she was 15 years-old and that that Baker sexually abused other female McCort athletes and cheerleaders.

McCort High School had 545-473 students.

Per Rev. Patrick Quinn, T.O.R.,Provincial Superior of the Province of the Immaculate Conception in 2013, Baker was removed from ministry in 2000 after an allegation stemming from the 1980s surfaced. Baker's accuser sued, received a settlement in 2002, and was required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

The Altoona-Johnstown diocese issued a statement in Jan. 2013 that it learned of allegations against Baker in November 2011.

Former students and employees reported seeing Baker on the McCourt campus for several years after he left there.

Baker is not listed in the 2011 Directory as at any of the Altoona diocese's T.O.R. monasteries.

Baker may have had access to children through the late 2000s.

Adamec was succeeded as Altoona-Johnstown bishop by Mark Leonard Bartchak (2011-).

Newry

• Allegations have emerged stemming from Baker's time here.

JFK High, the Youngstown diocese, and the T.O.R. Franciscans settled with 11 of Baker's accusers in 2012.

By Jan. 27, 2013 about 60 former JFK and McCort students had come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by Baker. By Jan 31, 2013 more than 80 had come forward. Some of them stated they believed there were dozens and possibly hundreds of students victimized by Baker.

Baker took his own life Jan. 26, 2013.

In October 2014 the Altoona-Johnstown diocese, Baker's Order and McCourt High settled with 88 former McCourt students who alleged sexual abuse by Baker.

Sources: Official Catholic Directory (New York: P.J. Kenedy and Sons, 1992-2011)

January 2013
• Update: Former JFK Coach, Teacher Abused Teens As Many As 25 Times, Fox Youngstown, January 16, 2013
• Catholic School Coach, Teacher Sexually Abused As Many As 25 Students, Norwalk Reflector, January 16, 2013
• Clock Expired on Criminal Charges in JFK Abuse Case, The WKBN, January 16, 2013
• Teacher Allegedly Sexually Abused 11 Boys, By Aaron Cheslock, WeAreCentralPA, January 17, 2013
• Attorney: JFK Case Began Two Years Ago, By Joe Gorman, Tribune Chronicle, January 17, 2013
• Warren JFK Settles with 11 Men over Sex Abuse, By Ed Runyan, Youngstown Vindicator, January 17, 2013
• 11 Former JFK Students Receive Financial Settlements from Alleged Sexual Abuse, By Michelle Nicks, WFMJ, January 17, 2013
• Baker Worked at Other Schools, Tribune Chronicle, January 17, 2013
• Blair County Clergy Accused of Child Sexual Abuse in Ohio, By Stef Davis, WJAC, January 17, 2013
• Five More Former JFK Students Claim Sexual Abuse, WKBN, January 17, 2013
• Ex-coach Accused of Abuse, By Sandra K Reabuck, The Tribune-Democrat, January 18, 2013
• Johnstown Attorney Investigating Abuse Claims, By Michelle Ganassi, Daily American, January 18, 2013
• Franciscan Brother Linked to Ohio Sex Abuse Settlements Now Eyed for Time at Pa. High School, The Republic, January 18, 2013
• Altoona-johnstown Diocese: Allegations against Bishop Mccort Trainer Surfaced in 2011, WJAC, January 18, 2013
• Former Bishop Mccort Students Allege Sexual Abuse, WYTV, January 18, 2013
• Five More Former JFK Students Claim Sexual Abuse, Fox Youngstown, January 18, 2013
• Franciscan Brother Accused of Sex Abuse Previously Coached in Johnstown, WJAC, January 18, 2013
• Settlement Not Coming from Donors, Tribune Chronicle, January 18, 2013
• Five More Claim Abuse at JFK, Tribune Chronicle, January 18, 2013
• Diocese Responds to Inaccurate Story in Tribune Chronicle, Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, January 18, 2013
• Diocese: Friar Accused in 2011, By Russ O’Reilly, Altoona Mirror, January 18, 2013
• At Least 35 Alleged Abuse Victims Have Come Forward, WKBN, January 19, 2013
• Barryboys.org, Jan. 2013
• Victims' Advocate Speaks: Clergy Abuse Allegations Arise at Bishop McCort, By Ruth Rice, The Tribune-Democrat, January 19, 2013
• Friar Faces New Abuse Allegations, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, January 19, 2013
• More Bishop Mccort Students Come Forward, Alleging Abuse by Friar, By Maria Miller, WJAC, January 19, 2013
• Boston Attorney Questions What Diocese Knew of Friar, By Maria Miller, WJAC, January 19, 2013
• Ohio, Pa. Victims Urged to Seek Support, Youngstown Vindicator, January 20, 2013
• No Evidence to Show Former McCort Trainer Was Certified, The WJAC, January 21, 2013
• McCort Graduates Had Suspicions against Former Teacher, By Maria Miller, WJAC, January 23, 2013
• Murry Apologizes for Friar Abuse Allegations, WYTV, January 24, 2013
• Where’s He Been?: SNAP Traces Path of Accused Friar, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, January 24, 2013
• Bishop Vows to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse, Youngstown Vindicator, January 24, 2013
• Bishop Speaks out about JFK, Tribune Chronicle, January 24, 2013
• Bishop Addresses Slew of Accusations, WFMJ, January 24, 2013
• Oh - SNAP Blasts Bishop Murry’s Excuses on Br. Baker, By David Clohessy, SNAP, January 24, 2013
• Claims of Abuse by Baker Rising, By Russ O’Reilly, Altoona Mirror, January 25, 2013
• Bishop Pledges Transparency about Sexual Abuse Allegations, By Ashley Luthern, Youngstown Vindicator, January 25, 2013
• Bishop Mccort Launches Investigation, By Patrick Raggett, Daily American, January 25, 2013
• Victims Urged to Come Forward, By Joe Gorman, Tribune Chronicle, January 25, 2013
• Lawsuits Likely: Attorney for Alleged Victims Files Notice, By Sandra K Reabuck, The Tribune-Democrat, January 25, 2013
• Pa. Attorney to Sue Youngstown Diocese over Abuse, WKBN, January 25, 2013
• Brother Stephen Baker Commits Suicide, Franciscan Friar Accused of Sexual Abuse in 2 States, By Ron Todt, Huffington Post, January 26, 2013
• Update | Diocese: Accused Sexual Abuser Baker Is Dead, Youngstown Vindicator, January 26, 2013
• Brother Baker Death Ruled a Suicide UPDATE: 6:30 P.M., By Russ Oreilly, The Altoona Mirror, January 26, 2013
• Sex-Abuse Accuser from Cortland Reacts to Franciscan Brother's Death, Youngstown Vindicator, January 26, 2013
• Statement of Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. ..., Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, January 26, 2013
• Death of Friar Accused in Sexual Abuse Cases Confirmed As Suicide, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 26, 2013
• New: Franciscan Brother Found Dead, By Patrick Buchnowski, Tribune-Democrat, January 26, 2013
• Friar Accused in Abuse Cases Found Dead at Pa. Monastery, CBS Pittsburgh, January 26, 2013
• Sat. 4:38pm Update 4: Baker's Death Ruled a Suicide, Tribune Chronicle, January 26, 2013
• Case Revives Pain of Prior Victims, By Kathy Mellott, Tribue-Democrat, January 26, 2013
• Alleged Abuser, Brother Baker, Commits Suicide, Fox Youngstown, January 27, 2013
• Baker Takes His Own Life, By Russ Oreilly, The Altoona Mirror, January 27, 2013
• What Suicide Means for Abuse Cases, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, January 27, 2013
• Brother Stephen Baker Suicide Note: 'I'm Sorry for What I Did to the Church', Youngstown Vindicator, January 28, 2013
• Coroner: Friar Died from Heart Wound, The Tribune-Democrat , January 28, 2013
• Friar's Suicide Challenging for Victims, Not for Impending Legal Cases, By Maria Miller, The WJAC, January 28, 2013
• Pa - Abusive Priest Also Worked in Two More States, By David Clohessy, Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, January 30, 2013
• MI - Serial Predator Priest Worked near Detroit, By David Clohessy, Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, January 30, 2013
• MI - Letter to Archbishop Vigneron, By David Clohessy, Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, January 30, 2013
• Detroit Archdiocese Urged to Investigate Priest Who Killed Self after Abuse Allegation, By Oralandar Brand-Williams , The Detroit News, January 31, 2013
• Victim Support Group Says Brother Baker Also Worked in Michigan, Youngstown Vindicator, January 30, 2013
• Dead Catholic Priest Accused of Molesting Students Taught in Metro Detroit, Victim's Group Says, By Patricia Montemurri, Detroit Free Press, January 30, 2013
• Probe of Abuse Not Over, DA Says: Adults Who Were Aware Could Face Consequences, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, January 30, 2013
• New Details Surface in Cleric's Past, By Maria Miller, WJAC, January 30, 2013
• Detroit Archdiocese Urged to Investigate Priest Who Killed Self after Abuse Allegation, By Oralandar Brand-Williams , The Detroit News, January 31, 2013
• Late Friar Accused of Sexual Abuse Once Worked in Orchard Lake, By Taryn Asher, My Fox Detroit, January 31, 2013
• Advocates: Baker Worked in Mich., Va., before Warren, WKBN, January 31, 2013
• Diocese Gets Lawsuit Letter, By Virginia Shank, Tribune Chronicle, January 31, 2013
• Group: Brother Baker Also Served in Mich., Youngstown Vindicator, January 31, 2013
• Archdiocese Says It Doesn't Have Abuse Complaints against Friar Who Taught at St. Mary's Prep, By Patricia Montemurri, Desert Sun, January 31, 2013
• Former Orchard Lake Schools Friar Accused of Molestation Left Apology Note after Suicide, By Carol Hopkins, Oakland Press, January 31, 2013

February 2013
• Detroit Diocese: No Abuse Claims, By Tribune Chronicle, Virginia Shank, February 1, 2013
• Minn. Man Won Settlement for Friar Abuse in 2005, By Adam Ferrise, WKBN, February 2, 2013
• Local Men Claim Abuse by Late Friar, By Jeff Kranitz, My Fox Detroit, February 3, 2013
• Advocate: Mom to Speak out about Suicide, Friar, Tribune Chronicle, February 4, 2013
• Bishop Murry Seeks Tips on Friar's Alleged Abuse, WFMJ, February 4, 2013
• Mom Blames Son's Suicide on Alleged Abuse by Friar, WKBN, February 4, 2013
• Serial Predator Cleric Abused in MN, By David Clohessy, SNAP, February 5, 2013
• Inver Grove Heights: after Cleric's Suicide, Sexual Abuse Victim Steps Forward, By Emily Gurnon, Pioneer Press, February 6, 2013
• SNAP to Church Officials: How Many More Victims?, By Bob Schwiderski, SNAP, February 6, 2013
• Franciscan Friar who Abused Boy in Inver Grove Heights Commits Suicide, By Zac Farber, The Patch, February 7, 2013
• Friar Volunteered at Mount Aloysius: College Officials: No Reports of Abuse, The Tribune-Democrat, February 9, 2013
• Priest Abuse Survivors Rally, WRVA, February 11, 2013
• Fourth Alleged Victim in Bishop McCort Case Comes Forward, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, February 13, 2013
• Accused Friar's History Examined, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, February 17, 2013
• Diocese of Youngstown Attemps to Contact All Who Were Students at JFK High School in Warren during Brother Baker's Tenur, Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngtown, February 19, 2013
• Number of Alleged Br. Baker Abuse Victims around 65, The WKBN, February 24, 2013
• Dozens More in Pa., Ohio Claim Abuse by Friar, KVUE, February 24, 2013
• 65 Claiming Abuse by Baker, Advocate Said, By Virginia Shank, Tribune Chronicle, February 25, 2013
• Fifty More Accuse Friar of Abuse, Group Says, By Jordan Cohen, Youngstown Vindicator, February 25, 2013
• Another Lawsuit Filed against Catholic Leaders for Baker Sex Abuse, By Adam Ferrise, Fox Youngstown, February 25, 2013
• Former St. Mary's Orchard Lake Schools Students Come Forward, Say They Were Molested, By Carol Hopkins, Daily Tribune
February 25, 2013
• Youngstown Diocese Says Nobody Is Reporting Abuse to It, By Ed Runyan, Vindicator, February 26, 2013
• Suits Might Target Diocese in Baker Case, By Phil Ray, The Altoona Mirror, February 26, 2013
• Former McCort Students Allege Abuse, Plan Lawsuits, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, February 26, 2013
• Attorneys Teaming up in Lawsuit against Catholic Leaders, WYTV, February 28, 2013
• More Alleged Cleric Abuse Victims Emerge, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, February 28, 2013

March 2013
• Two More Notices in Baker Case, By Phil Ray, Tribune Chronicle, March 1, 2013
• Bishop McCort Principal Removed, WJAC TV, March 1, 2013
• Ken Salem on Leave at McCort, By Dave Sutor, Tribune-Democrat, March 1, 2013
• Parents React to Principal's Dismissal, By Aaron Cheslock, WTAJ, March 1, 2013
• ABC 23 News Update, March 1, 2013
• Friar Accused of Molestation Taught in Norfolk, By Bill Sizemore, The Virginian-Pilot, March 4, 2013
• McCort Faces Tough Questions Amid Scandal, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, March 10, 2013
• Youngstown Diocese Says 2 JFK Alumni Alleging Abuse, Vindicator, March 14, 2013
• Attorney: Brother Baker Also Abused Female Students, By Adam Ferrise, WYTV, March 20, 2013
• Attorney: Baker Abused Girls Too, By Aaron Cheslock, Wearecentralpa, March 20, 2013
• Another Claim Filed in Baker Case, Altoona Mirror, March 21, 2013
• Baker Probe Ongoing, By Russ O' Reilly, Altoona Mirror, March 21, 2013
• Bishop Mccort Scandal: Former Female Student Alleges Abuse, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, March 21, 2013
• Attorney: Adults drunk with Power, Enabled Abuse, By Russ O' Reilly, Altoona Mirror, March 22, 2013
• Sex Abuse by Orchard Lake Friar First Reported in 1985, Dad of Alleged Victim Says, By Patricia Montemurri, Detroit Free Press, March 27, 2013

April - October 2013
• Altoona-Johnstown Diocese Launches Abuse Investigation, By Randy Griffith, Tribune-Democrat, April 15, 2013
• Central Pa. Diocese Investigating Dead Friar, San Francisco Chronicle, April 16, 2013
• McCort Probe Widens, By Randy Griffith, The Tribune-Democrat, April 26, 2013
• Salem Says He's Stepping Away from Bishop McCort, The Tribune-Democrat, June 5, 2013
• McCort Facing New Suit: Former Student Alleges Abuse, By Randy Griffith, The Tribune-Democrat, July 17, 2013
• Cleric Sex Abuse Case Update, ABC 23, July 19, 2013
• New Friar Abuse Suit Coming, By Phil Ray, Altoona Mirror, July 19, 2013
• Judge to Attorney: File Complaints in Abuse Cases Within 30 Days, By Phil Ray, Altoona Mirror, October 5, 2013
• McCort Abuse Suit, Fox 8, October 5, 2013
• Abuse Deals near, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, October 11, 2013
• Negotiations Continue with Friar's Alleged Victims, WJAC, October 11, 2013
• Cleric Sex Allegations, ABC 23, October 12, 2013
• Diocese Working toward Resolving Suspected Abuse Claims, By Kay Stephens, Altoona Mirror, October 12, 2013
• Another Man Says Friar Sexually Abused Him, WJAC, October 17, 2013
• McCort Search for Principal Moving Ahead, By Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat, October 19, 2013
• McCort Seeks Info on Alleged Victims, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, October 31, 2013
• Abuse Claims Deadline Extended, By Phil Ray, Altoona Mirror, October 31, 2013
• Lawyer Gets 6 Months to File Pa. Abuse Suits, San Francisco Chronicle, October 31, 2013
• Extension Granted for Lawsuits in Friar's Sex-abuse Case, WJAC, October 31, 2013

November - December 2013
• Attorney General May Continue Mccort Abuse Investigation, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, November 2, 2013
• DA: McCort Abuse Scandal Report to Be Handed to State Investigators, WJAC, November 2, 2013
• McCort Case in Limbo, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, November 2, 2013
• Alleged Victims Withdraw Lawsuit, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, November 12, 2013
• Criminal Case Can Proceed, By Kathy Mellott. The Tribune-Democrat, November 12, 2013
• More Sex Allegations at McCort, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, November 16, 2013
• Organization Seeking Answers to Alleged Abuse at Bishop McCort, WJAC, November 20, 2013
• 25 New Clergy Abuse Claims in Ohio School Case, Seattle PI, November 21, 2013
• Open Files on Baker, By David Hurst, The Tribune-Democrat, November 21, 2013
• Youngstown Diocese Receives $25 Million Demand Regarding Brother Baker, Youngstown Vindicator, November 21, 2013
• Baker Probe Moves Ahead, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, November 23, 2013
• Baker Probe Fallout?, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, December 20, 2013

January - April 2014
• Pa. Attorney General Taking over Bishop Mccort Sex Abuse Cases, WJAC, January 17, 2014
• State AG Agrees to Baker Probe, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, January 18, 2014
• Will Pa. Court Ruling Impact Baker Case?, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, January 26, 2014
• McCort Board Suing Abuse Lawyer, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, February 22, 2014
• Altoona-Johnstown Diocese temporarily suspends efforts to resolve claims in Baker case, Centre Daily Times, April 27, 2014
• Diocese Halts Talks in Lawsuits, By Kathy Mellott, The Tribune-Democrat, April 26, 2014
• Advocates for alleged victims of clergy sex abuse protest diocese canceling settlement talks, Daily Reporter, April 27, 2014
• Altoona-Johnstown Diocese in Pennsylvania withdraws from previously-scheduled mediation at last minute and re-victimizes survivors of clergy sexual abuse, Road to Recovery, April 27, 2014
• Advocates for alleged victims of clergy sex abuse protest diocese canceling settlement talks, The Republic, April 27, 2014
• Attorneys: Settlement halt revictimizes alleged victims, By Maria Miller, WJAC, April 28, 2014
• Advocates for alleged abuse victims protest end of negotiations, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, April 29, 2014

May - October 2014
• Sex abuse negotiations continue, By Kathy Mellott, Tribune-Democrat, May 20, 2014
• Victims Blast Church Delays in Abuse Talks, SNAP, May 20, 2014
• Twin Cities Archdiocese Releases Names of 5 More Suspected Clerics, All Deceased, By Emily Gurnon, Pioneer Press, May 22, 2014
• Disclosures Regarding Clergy Sexual Abuse of Minors, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Date: December 5, 2013; Updated February 17, 2014; Updated May 22, 2014
• Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Selling Bishop's Home, By Marc Stempka, WJAC, June 26, 2014
• The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA, the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, and the Franciscan Friars Third Order Regular of Pennsylvania continue their foot-dragging in clergy sexual abuse cases, Road to Recovery, July 22, 2014
• Update: Victims group calls for end to 'delays' ..., By David Hurst, Tribune-Democrat, July 23, 2014
• Mom of Alleged Victim Speaks Out, By Jim Madalinsky, WeAreCentralPA, July 23, 2014
• Central Pennsylvania Bishop's Home Listed for $995,000, Money May Be Used for Sex Abuse Cases, Daily Journal, August 15, 2014
• Settlement Talk Set in Friar Abuse Suits, Indiana Gazette, August 15, 2014• Settlement Reached in Brother Baker Case, WeAreCentralPa.com, Oct. 21, 2014
• Editorial | Payout doesn't end Baker Case, The Tribune-Democrat, Oct. 26, 2014

Priests in a Parish: We use the following convention to show a priest's place among the clergy of a parish: 1/2 means that he is the first priest listed in the Official Catholic Directory (usually the pastor) and that there is a total of two priests at the parish. The shorthand 3/4 means that the priest is listed third on a four-priest roster. See our sample page from the Directory.

Note: The Official Catholic Directory aims to report the whereabouts of Catholic priests in the United States on January 1 of the Directory's publication year. Our working assumption is that a priest listed in the Directory for a given year was at the same assignment for part of the previous year as well. However, Kenedy and Sons will sometimes accept updates well into the year of publication. Diocesan clergy records are rarely available to correct this information. The Directory is also sometimes misleading or wrong. We have tried to create an accurate assignment record, given the source materials and their limitations. Assignment records are a work in progress and we are always improving the records that we post. Please email us with new information and corrections.

This assignment record collates Baker's career history as it is represented in the Official Catholic Directory with allegations as reported in the media. We make no representation regarding the truth of the allegation we report, and we remind our readers that the U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.

This assignment record was last updated on October 31, 2014