A Belcourt man, Justin Lee Baker, 44, has been sentenced to life in federal prison following convictions for sexual abuse and domestic assault by strangulation. The sentence was handed down by District Court Judge Peter Welte on January 28, 2025. Baker also faces $400 in special assessment fees.
The charges against Baker stem from incidents beginning in August 2020 when law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance report in Belcourt, ND. Jane Doe 1 reported being severely beaten by her boyfriend, identified as Baker. Authorities documented extensive bruising and a head laceration. In August 2023, during an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Jane Doe 1 detailed the physical and sexual assaults she endured at the hands of Baker. She recounted being sexually assaulted with objects causing severe pain and believed her life was in danger.
The FBI investigation uncovered additional victims of Baker's assaults, including Jane Doe 2. Interviewed in August 2023, Jane Doe 2 described being held captive in Baker’s camper where she was physically and sexually assaulted. She recounted being strangled and threatened with death.
United States Attorney Mac Schneider commented on the case: “This sentence is a fitting one considering the brutality and depravity of the defendant’s crimes against his domestic partners and women in the community.” He emphasized that serious crimes like domestic violence and sexual abuse would not go unpunished when under federal jurisdiction.
Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., from FBI Minneapolis, stated: “The horrendous sexual abuse committed by Justin Lee Baker is cruel and reprehensible.” He affirmed that this sentencing underscores the FBI's commitment to pursuing those who prey on others.
The case was thoroughly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.