Adam Baker’s attorney said he was ready for trial in Caldwell County on Thursday. Baker is facing four misdemeanor charges and a host of worthless check charges.
However, the case was continued to Jan. 5, and two of the complainants will be subpoenaed. Baker is charged with two counts of communicating threats, assault with a deadly weapon and failure to return rental property.
His attorney, Shell Pearce, said he does not think Baker would be back in court on Jan. 5, however.
“It’s my understanding that this is going to be presented to a grand jury,” Pearce said. “I’ve been told that it’s their intention by the district attorney’s office.”
Baker’s charges are unrelated to the disappearance and death of his daughter, Zahra. The 10-year-old disabled child was found dismembered in two locations in Caldwell County last fall. Elisa Baker, who was Zahra’s stepmother and Baker’s wife, pleaded guilty to her murder in September. She was sentenced to 14 to 18 years in prison. She is currently in the Mecklenburg County jail awaiting trial on federal drug charges.
Pearce said he was prepared to plead not guilty on the charges on Baker’s behalf on Thursday and go to trial.
“I can’t see that he’s guilty of anything he’s charged with, looking at the evidence,” Pearce said. “Adam’s frustrated, and I am, too. Their intent is to take this to Superior Court.”
The Caldwell County grand jury meets on Nov. 14.
Baker has paid the money he owed to businesses for his worthless checks, but the charges have not been dismissed.
Pearce said there has been no plea offer by the district attorney’s office, other than to plead guilty as charged. He said the maximum sentence Baker would face is 120 days for each charge, but said if Baker is treated like anyone else he would likely get probation, since he does not have a record.
“It would be great to get this over with,” Baker said Thursday as he left court.
Baker is currently in the United States on an immigration detainer. He must report to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Charlotte once a week. He said he cannot work because of his immigration status.
Baker is also facing two felony charges in Catawba County, for identity theft and obtaining property by false pretenses. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday for those charges.
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