New Castle couple charged with auto theft, forgery and perjury
Christopher Ryan Baker, 34, and Barbara Baker, age not available, were charged, following an investigation by the Madison County Sheriff's Department, on felony charges of fraud, auto theft, forgery and perjury and a misdemeanor charge of exploitation of a dependent adult.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Scott and Todd Shaw reported the theft of a vehicle and lawn tractors Jan. 9. Court documents show the Shaws were granted guardianship of a relative residing at the Countryside Manor nursing home.
Barbara Baker obtained a death certificate for the recently deceased David Baker, claiming to be a blood relative, according to the probable cause affidavit. But the Shaws told police that Baker was not a blood relative.
Barbara Baker transferred the title to the Chevy Tahoe into her name last December, court records show. The listed price of the vehicle was $0.
When police interviewed the woman at the nursing home, she said Barbara Baker didn't have permission to take the title to the Tahoe.
On Feb. 7, officers found the Tahoe in New Castle, according to the charging probable cause.
Christopher Baker presented a document that showed the woman signed over the Tahoe and two lawn tractors to him, the court document states.
The signature on the document didn't match that of the woman at the nursing home, according to the affidavit.
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