x
Breaking News
More () »

Fairview Township police officer facing federal charges terminated from force

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP, Pa.–A Fairview Township police officer who is facing federal charges has been terminated, according to Fairview Township Police Chief J...
tysonbaker

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP, Pa.–A Fairview Township police officer who is facing federal charges has been terminated, according to Fairview Township Police Chief Jason Loper. During a meeting on Monday, the Fairview Township Supervisors voted to terminate officer Tyson Baker, 41, of Etters.

Baker is charged with theft, obstruction of justice, filing false reports and taking property to prevent its seizure. The move to terminate Baker was made following the township’s internal investigation following his arrest, according to Loper.

Baker violated several departmental policies, including in engaging in conduct unbecoming an officer and violated his official duty as an police officer, Loper said.

Baker, a 17-year veteran of the Fairview Township police force, was arrested Dec. 16 after he stole $3,000 hidden in a car that was driven by an undercover FBI agent posing as a drug dealer, according to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith.  Baker also is accused of removing evidence that was subject to seizure and providing false information to federal authorities.

The indictment alleges Baker orchestrated the theft of $2,000 in drug proceeds seized by the Fairview Township Police Department during a search of a house where several pounds of marijuana and about $15,000 in cash were found in November, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Baker was placed on administrative leave from the police department on Dec. 18.

A trial is scheduled for April 4 at 9:30 a.m. in Harrisburg.

Before You Leave, Check This Out