Press Release

Anchorage Man Sentenced for 2014 Sexual Assault

February 19, 2016

40 year old Ernest Baker was sentenced on February 19, 2016 for a 2014 sexual assault. Baker pled guilty to one count of sexual assault in the third degree on October 16, 2015 from an incident that occurred in Anchorage in the early morning hours of April 27, 2014. Anchorage Superior Court Judge Paul Olson sentenced Baker to 40 years, with 10 years suspended, or 30 years to serve. Baker will be on probation for 10 years following his release from prison and will have to register as a sex offender for 15 years. This is Baker’s fifth felony conviction.

On April 27, 2014, Baker picked up a highly intoxicated woman and her male companion and offered to give them a ride home. Baker stopped at a gas station and he and the male exited the vehicle, leaving the woman inside. Baker then left the male in the gas station and returned to the vehicle, quickly driving away as the male chased after the car. The kidnapping was promptly reported to Anchorage Police, who began an intensive search for the vehicle and the woman. The vehicle was found about two hours later. The intoxicated woman was still inside, unconscious. A forensic examination revealed evidence that she had been sexually assaulted. Further evidence indicating a sexual assault was found at the scene, which was located using the location feature on the victim’s phone.

In sentencing Baker, Superior Court Judge Paul Olson noted that the crime of sexual assault is a violent act, regardless of whether the victim was physically injured. He also emphasized the need to isolate Baker and noted his history of anti-social behavior.

CONTACT: Assistant District Attorney Jenna Gruenstein @ (907) 269-6300 at the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.