Shelbina Man Faces Statutory Rape, Sodomy Charges
By Marlana Smith
A Shelby County man is facing three felonies including statutory rape and sodomy. Anthony James Baker, 39, of Shelbina, was arrested Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
According to information released by Shelbina Police Chief Jeff Brown, during the afternoon of Monday, January 26, an officer with the Shelbina Police Department was notified by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office that they had received a report of a sex crime which had occurred within the City of Shelbina.
An officer contacted the victim and initiated an investigation into the matter. During the investigation a person interest was identified. An officer contacted the person of interest at a residence located in the 100 block of Central Avenue in Shelbina.
According to the Probable Cause Statement, Baker admitted, post Miranda, to the allegations against him that allegedly occurred in May of 2017.
Baker was placed under arrest and transported to Randolph County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold.
During the morning of Tuesday, January 27, information from the investigation was submitted to Shelby County Prosecutor Jordan Force for her review. Force filed formal charges with Shelby County Circuit Court. Shelby County Associate Circuit Judge Mike Greenwell issued an arrest warrant for Anthony James Baker and ordered the defendant be detained pending trial and no bond allowed.
Baker is being charged case number 26SB-CR00011 with Statutory Rape or Attempted statutory Rape – 1st degree – Person Less Than 12 Yoa, felony unclassified and two counts of Statutory Sodomy or Attempted Statutory Sodomy – Deviate Sexual Intercourse – Person Less Than 12 Yoa, felony unclassified.
Baker is being held in the Randolph County Jail with no bond.
All suspects are innocent unless proven guilty in court.
