Man faces prostitution charge after propositioning woman at bar.

Baker

Man faces prostitution charge after propositioning woman at bar.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

SHELBY — A 40-year-old man faces a charge of prostitution/engaging in the services of a prostitute after allegedly making a proposition to a woman at a bar in Shelby and then making a similar offering to a woman standing outside, according to Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

Troy Fredrick Baker, 40, of 9007 Lamos Rd., Montague, has been arraigned in Oceana County’s 78th District Court on another misdemeanor charge of assault and battery and two counts of disorderly person — drunk.

The assault charge is in connection to the second victim he approached after he left the bar, said Bizon. The disorderly charges stem from separate incidents that occurred previously.

“He was at a bar consuming alcohol and said to a patron he would offer her money if she would do some things for him,” said Bizon. “It did not go over well with the patrons. So, he left the bar and made a similar offer to a woman standing outside smoking a cigarette.” Although the victim in the second incident was not physically hurt, it was a “startling experience,” he said.

Baker is a “moderately transient individual who does not have stable housing,” said Bizon. “Substance abuse seems to be a part of it.” Mental health issues may also play a role in Baker’s behavior, he added. Bizon said he is working with law enforcement and other agencies.

As of Thursday, Oct. 1, Baker remained lodged in the Oceana County Jail. His bond was set at $3,500/cash/surety/10 percent, according to his court file.

Baker was arrested by the Shelby Police Department, Sept. 5, on the prostitution and assault charges, according to court records. He was arrested in Hesperia by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, Aug. 4, for one of the disorderly charges. He was arrested, July 26, by the Hart post of the Michigan State Police for an earlier disorderly incident, said Bizon.

He is scheduled for a pretrial in district court Thursday, Oct. 8, at 10:45 a.m.

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