PC MARC employee arrested for alleged child abuse

WARNING: This report discusses topics that may upset some readers.

Patrick Robert Baker, 25, of Salt Lake City, is being held without bail in the Salt Lake County Jail on a charge of attempting to abuse a 5-year-old boy.

The PC MARC confirmed that Baker worked as a seasonal lifeguard and swimming instructor this summer. Previously, Baker served as teen director for the Boys & Girls Club of Murray.

According to court documents, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent arrested Baker on Sept. 30.

Charging documents say Baker spent weeks texting with someone he thought was the father of a 5-year-old boy and would allow him to sexually abuse the child.

In fact, it was an undercover agent who arranged a meeting that Baker believed had taken place with the father and child.

When Baker arrived at the appointed location, he fled from law enforcement and had to be taken to the ground and taken into custody. He later admitted to officers that there was inappropriate content involving children on his phone.

Baker now faces a first-degree felony charge of attempted sodomy of a child. If convicted, he faces 15 years to life in prison.

He is being held without bail ahead of his court appearance later this month.

Both PC MARC and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake said in statements that Baker has since been fired.

In a statement, Park City Municipal said parents whose child was enrolled in programs with Baker have since been notified. The city said it was not aware of any criminal activity while Baker worked at MARC.

Park City Municipal requires all employees to undergo a background check prior to employment.

Amanda Ree Gardner, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake, said in a statement that the organization was “shocked and deeply concerned” by the arrest.

Anyone who believes their child may have been abused can contact Summit County law enforcement at (435) 615-3601.

The Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault has a 24-hour hotline for survivors, families and anyone affected. English speakers can call (801) 736-4356. Spanish speakers can call (801) 924-0860.