ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MISSOURI- The Office of Prosecuting Attorney Tim Lohmar announces that on March 8, 2022, Valerie Jean Baker, 35, of Lake St. Louis, was charged with Interference with Custody and Assault 4th degree. It is alleged that on March 7, as Baker appeared at a previously scheduled supervised visit with her minor children, she physically took control of the youngest child, forced the child into her car, and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. At 6:59 AM on March 8, a license plate reader observed Baker’s vehicle in Colorado, west of Denver nearing the Utah border. Baker has yet to be located. At the time of this incident, the Department of Social Services Children’s Division had court ordered legal custody of both minor children, and Baker had no lawful custody of the children of any kind.
The elements of the more serious offenses of Kidnapping and Parental Kidnapping do not apply at the present time. This investigation remains active, and other charges may be considered based upon additional evidence.
Baker is currently a fugitive from justice. If you have information that may assist in the investigation, please contact the St. Charles County Police Department at (636) 949-3000.
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