Wooster man gets four years on methamphetamine, drug and weapons charges
Holmes County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Knowling pushed for more than nine years in prison for a Wooster man sentenced Tuesday, August 2 for manufacturing methamphetamine and other related charges.
Jesse J. Baker, 46, of 3585 Ely Road, was sentenced to four years in prison by visiting Judge Mark K. Wiest in Holmes County Common Pleas Court on charges of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of weapons under disability and possession of heroin. The charges carried a maximum nine years and nine months in prison, and a mandatory minimum of three years.
Baker’s long history with Holmes County law enforcement dates back to 1983 and includes felony convictions on traffic and criminal charges. He faces up to 18 months in prison on a failure to appear charge, brought after he fled the state prior to being sentenced May 7 for the methamphetamine charges.
The charges stem from Oct. 26, 2010, when the Holmes County Sheriff’s narcotics unit raided a Nashville residence. Chemicals to manufacture meth and trash associated with the production of meth were found in a trailer owned by Baker. Prior intelligence included pictures recovered from Baker’s cell phone of cash and meth being packaged for sale, Knowling said. When deputies served the search warrant, Knowling said, Baker “went for” a .22 caliber rifle.
A codefendant, Charles R. Mills, 47, of 13210 Private Road 231, Nashville, was also charged in the raid. Mills was sentenced to three years in prison.
Knowling’s recommendation to Wiest was for the maximum sentence. In a lengthy appeal to Wiest, Knowling said Baker is past reform and must be locked away to protect the public.
“This defendant was extremely proud of his ability to manufacture methamphetamine,” Knowling said. “This defendant has no redeemable qualities...(Baker) has had a lifelong (criminal history), he has made a way of life violating the law. He has earned this sentence by his body of work.”
Wiest noted that Baker has a long history of substance abuse. A presentence investigation found Baker began using alcohol at age 13 and drugs at 21. His history with meth goes back 11 years to age 35.
Wiest said he crafted his sentence based on the one received by Baker’s codefendant.
“In my opinion you’re both major drug users,” Wiest said. “I’m giving (Baker) the extra year because of having weapons under disability.”
Knowling declined comment on Baker’s sentence.
The failure to appear charge is scheduled for a one-day jury trial August 17.
Jesse J. Baker, 46, of 3585 Ely Road, was sentenced to four years in prison by visiting Judge Mark K. Wiest in Holmes County Common Pleas Court on charges of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of weapons under disability and possession of heroin. The charges carried a maximum nine years and nine months in prison, and a mandatory minimum of three years.
Baker’s long history with Holmes County law enforcement dates back to 1983 and includes felony convictions on traffic and criminal charges. He faces up to 18 months in prison on a failure to appear charge, brought after he fled the state prior to being sentenced May 7 for the methamphetamine charges.
The charges stem from Oct. 26, 2010, when the Holmes County Sheriff’s narcotics unit raided a Nashville residence. Chemicals to manufacture meth and trash associated with the production of meth were found in a trailer owned by Baker. Prior intelligence included pictures recovered from Baker’s cell phone of cash and meth being packaged for sale, Knowling said. When deputies served the search warrant, Knowling said, Baker “went for” a .22 caliber rifle.
A codefendant, Charles R. Mills, 47, of 13210 Private Road 231, Nashville, was also charged in the raid. Mills was sentenced to three years in prison.
Knowling’s recommendation to Wiest was for the maximum sentence. In a lengthy appeal to Wiest, Knowling said Baker is past reform and must be locked away to protect the public.
“This defendant was extremely proud of his ability to manufacture methamphetamine,” Knowling said. “This defendant has no redeemable qualities...(Baker) has had a lifelong (criminal history), he has made a way of life violating the law. He has earned this sentence by his body of work.”
Wiest noted that Baker has a long history of substance abuse. A presentence investigation found Baker began using alcohol at age 13 and drugs at 21. His history with meth goes back 11 years to age 35.
Wiest said he crafted his sentence based on the one received by Baker’s codefendant.
“In my opinion you’re both major drug users,” Wiest said. “I’m giving (Baker) the extra year because of having weapons under disability.”
Knowling declined comment on Baker’s sentence.
The failure to appear charge is scheduled for a one-day jury trial August 17.
Published: August 2, 2011
