MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A now former employee with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services has been arrested and charged with trying to solicit sex with an underage girl.
Christopher Baker, 50, was arrested by police in Jackson, Tennessee, after they were called for help with an investigation by Bolivar Police. He is charged with solicitation of a minor.
Bolivar Police said on March 2, 2023, the girl found a strange note on her car at a Bolivar business. She and her parents reported it to police, who began an investigation and asked the Jackson Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for help.
On March 7, investigators conducted an undercover operation. They said Baker met who he believed was an underage girl for sex in Jackson. Instead, he was arrested.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released at this time.
In a statement, DCS said, "Chris Baker will no longer serve as an employee with DCS following an internal investigation which found gross misconduct. This classification will make him ineligible for state retirement. Like any state employee, Baker will have the right to appeal his termination. We are unable to comment further on the details of the internal investigation. The criminal charges against Baker are serious, and DCS is working closely with law enforcement. While employed by DCS, Baker served as an Administrative Team Leader with the Office of Child Safety."
Anyone with more information on this case, or to report any child exploitation case, is asked to call the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 731-467-6385.