Baker Remains under Scrutiny; Computer Forensic Expert Weighs In

TYLER — Smith County Judge Joel Baker remains under scrutiny, with a computer forensics expers now weighing in. A woman who wishes to remain anonymous claims Baker friended her on Facebook and sent her lewd messages and obscene pictures of himself. She asked computer forensic investigator Tim McLemee to prove it was him. McLemee responded, “The photographs, the countless messages on the Facebook, and the multiple telephone calls — there’s absolutely, positively no way that this is not Joel Baker. I honestly did not want it to be him when we started. I’m taking no pleasure in being involved in this.”

Baker has resigned from his position with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The conservative group Grassroots America wants him to step down as judge. Executive Director JoAnn Fleming says, “He’s embarrassed himself, he’s embarrassed the county, and he’s lost the ability to lead. We need someone who has the moral clarity to lead — and, unfortunately, Judge Baker has surrendered that authority.” Fleming wants to file a petition with a district court to start the removal process. KTBB has put in a request for comment from Judge Baker, who thus far has not responded.