A Lame Deer woman has admitted to charges of sex trafficking a minor, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Veronica Clarice Baker, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking a minor. The charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years, along with a potential $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
The plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan. Sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters at a later date after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Baker remains detained pending further proceedings.
Court documents allege that before April 9, 2023, Baker met Dr. Usman Khan through a social media platform for individuals interested in commercial sex relationships. On or about April 9, 2023, Baker and Khan communicated to arrange a commercial sex date between Khan and Jane Doe 1, whom Baker knew was under the age of 18.
Baker and Jane Doe 1 were in a hotel room in Billings when Baker sent Khan pictures of herself and Jane Doe 1 while discussing rates for the encounter. Baker agreed to transport Jane Doe 1 to Khan’s residence for the commercial sex date. At Khan's residence, Jane Doe 1 engaged in sexual activity with him and received payment, some of which she gave to Baker.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case following an FBI investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.
