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Bluegrass

No parole for convicted child predator

by | Mar 13, 2025 | Area News, Latest

A 46-year-old Allen man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the continuous sexual abuse of two children, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said. The DA said Joseph Baker abused the children over 14 years.

“He began sexually abusing the first child at just seven years old, continuing for 13,” Willis said. “When that victim moved out at age 20, Baker turned his attention to another child, starting the cycle of abuse again when the second victim was 13.”

 The district attorney said that after enduring approximately a year of abuse, the second child bravely came forward, launching an investigation.

Allen Police Det. Jared McConathy led the case, interviewing the first victim — now an adult — who confirmed the years of ongoing abuse. The second victim provided crucial details during a forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County.

The DA said a McKinney jury heard the full extent of Baker’s crimes, found him guilty as charged, and returned their verdict. Following the conviction, Judge Tom Nowak sentenced Baker to 60 years in prison. Under Texas law, a conviction for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child carries no possibility of parole — ensuring that Baker will never walk free again.

“This predator robbed these children of their innocence, but today, justice has spoken loud and clear,” Willis said. “I strongly commend these courageous survivors for speaking out, the investigators for their relentless pursuit of justice, and the jury for ensuring that this abuser was held accountable.”

For more stories about the Murphy community see the next print, or digital edition of the Murphy Monitor. Subscribe today and support local journalism.

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