Corrections Department conducting investigation after officer arrested

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) Commissioner Nicholas Deml issued a statement following the arrest of Northeast Correctional Complex (NECC) Correctional Officer I Michael Baker Monday on charges of First Degree Aggravated Domestic Assault; Aggravated Sexual Assault; Interference with Access to Emergency Services; and Offense Committed within the Presence of a Child.

“Mr. Baker’s alleged actions run directly counter to the Department’s values and mission,” said Commissioner Deml. “It’s extremely unfortunate that isolated incidents like this one undermine the public trust in our Department and our amazing staff of public servants. We, as a team, are committed to ensuring our good deeds outshine the alleged bad actions of a few.”

Officer Baker is on administrative leave as of Monday. Vermont DOC is conducting its own investigation into his conduct and will support law enforcement partners as they continue their investigation. These charges do not appear related to any facility or individual in the care and custody of the Department.

The Vermont DOC Peer Support Team will deploy to NECC to help staff if needed; this is standard practice for events that impact frontline staff.

7.19.2022. Waterbury, Vt. – Vermont Department of Corrections