District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Steven BAKER, formerly of Westfield and Port Allegany, was convicted of sex crimes against a minor female relative at a residence in Port Allegany. In 2023, a preschool teacher called Childline to report that, while her preschool class was eating bananas and discussing how bananas and other things are slimy, one of her students responded that BAKER had touched her (pointing to her genitals) and she didn’t like it.

The child also reported BAKER’S actions to her mother, grandmother, two other caretakers, and others.    The reports initiated a police investigation by Pennsylvania State Police who interviewed  BAKER.  After initially denying the allegation, BAKER admitted that, while the child was only months old and left in his care, he placed his penis into her mouth and ejaculated.  BAKER told investigators he did this out of sexual frustration and anger at a video game he had been playing.  BAKER is related to the minor victim.  (The relationship is not disclosed in this release to protect the child’s identity). During the two-day jury trial, the jury heard testimony from the victim (now 6 years old), her mother, grandmother, preschool teacher, CYS caseworker, and two other adult caregivers. 

Two Troopers who participated in the interview of BAKER also testified as did McKean County Jail Warden/Sheriff Dan Woods.  Trooper Joel Miles (Pennsylvania State Police-Coudersport) investigated the case and charged BAKER.  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.    BAKER was charged with and convicted of: Rape of a Child; Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse of a Child; Incest of a Minor; Sexual Assault; Indecent Assault; and Statutory Sexual Assault (defendant 11 or more years older than victim). 

Following the verdict, the DA asked the Court to increase bail and the Judge set bail at $200,000 straight.  BAKER was remanded to the McKean County Jail.  Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, BAKER is required to undergo a “sexually violent predatory assessment” with the Sex Offender Assessment Board.  The Board is given 90 days to complete the assessment.  To allow for the time necessary for this assessment, BAKER’S sentencing was scheduled for February 27 at 1 pm. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer advised her intention to seek the sentencing enhancements provided for in the sentencing code for Rape of a Child and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse of a Child. These enhancements provide for a lengthier sentence than the guidelines provide for in Pennsylvania.  If you suspect child abuse, please call Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.