(SCOTT CO.) – An investigation into alleged illegal steroid possession and distribution by a Scott County deputy has resulted in his arrest as well as the arrest of a Scott County reserve officer on related charges.
On Monday, Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin received information that Deputy Joe Baker was possibly using illegal steroids and distributing the drug.
Acting on this information, Sheriff Goodin immediately contacted Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter and requested an investigation into the allegation.
Undercover officers from the Sellersburg Post Drug Enforcement Section were assigned to the case and began their investigation on Tuesday.
In the early morning hours of Thanksgiving as a result of their investigation, Troopers arrested 39-year-old Deputy Joe Don Baker, of Salem.
Baker is charged with conspiracy to deal in steroids, a Level 6 felony, official misconduct, a Level 6 felony, possession of a hypodermic needle, a Level 6 felony, and possession of a Schedule III controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.Â
Also charged was Scott County Reserve Officer 32-year-old Phillip E. Thomas, of Scottsburg. Thomas is charged with possession of a Schedule III controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.
Both Baker and Thomas were remanded into the custody of the Scott County Jail without incident.
Sheriff Jerry Goodin advised he would release a statement from his agency on Friday.
