HARRISBURG, PA — A current inmate at a northwestern Pennsylvania state prison is facing a sweeping set of felony charges after investigators say he attempted to orchestrate a violent home-invasion robbery from behind bars, targeting his own family.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Keegan Baker, 28, of Erie, an inmate at SCI Forest in Forest County, has been charged in connection with an alleged scheme to solicit another incarcerated individual to carry out an armed robbery at his mother’s home. Authorities said the plan was never executed after the solicited inmate reported the proposal to prison officials.
According to the Office of Attorney General, Baker is accused of soliciting crimes including kidnapping, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and theft by unlawful taking.
A joint investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Unit determined that Baker allegedly asked another inmate to arrange for the theft of $68,000 from the residence using contacts outside the prison. Investigators said Baker allegedly offered the inmate a portion of the money in exchange for facilitating the crime.
Authorities allege Baker’s plan involved ordering that his mother and stepfather be restrained and subjected to a Taser during the robbery. The investigation concluded that Baker’s intent was to steal cash he believed was being kept inside the home.
“This defendant demonstrated a callous disregard for the wellness of his own family by propositioning another inmate to do his relatives harm,” Attorney General Sunday said. “This alleged conduct is shocking and unacceptable. Thanks to the quick work of the State Police and the Office of Attorney General, this plot was thwarted and the architect of the plan can face accountability in court.”
Officials said the inmate who was allegedly solicited declined to participate and instead alerted prison staff, prompting state police to open a criminal investigation. No injuries were reported, and authorities said the alleged plot was stopped before any action could be taken outside the prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Heather Serrano.
Criminal charges and the allegations outlined by investigators do not constitute proof of guilt. Any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.