Update, Friday, 7:45 a.m.: According to Sheriff Fuson, Baker has been terminated from his position with MCSO.
Previously:
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A Montgomery County patrol deputy was arrested Thursday and charged with official misconduct, aggravated perjury and official oppression after an investigation into a traffic stop the deputy conducted on Sept. 5 was found to be unlawful.
On Sept. 6, the Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a traffic stop conducted by Deputy William Baker on Sept. 5 at 8:40 p.m., according to a news release from MCSO spokesperson Sandra Brandon.
After a review of the complaint and traffic stop, the Sheriff’s Office found that Baker did not follow his training or policy during the stop and violated the law, the release said.
As a result, Baker was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 10.
On September 13, 2021, the findings of this incident were presented to the district attorney’s office, who agreed with the findings and recommended the case be presented to the grand jury.
This case was presented to the grand jury on Oct. 5, and a sealed indictment was issued for Baker’s arrest on Oct. 6, according to the news release.
Baker began working for the Sheriff’s Office in July 2017 in the Detention Services Bureau as a Jail Deputy. In July 2019 he transferred to the Uniformed Patrols Bureau as a Patrol Deputy, the news release said.
“It is our duty and responsibility to enforce the law,” said Sheriff John Fuson in the news release. “We give our employees the training they need and have policies in place to help guide them as they work to keep our public safe, and enforce our laws. It is unfortunate that Baker chose not to follow his training or our policy or the law during this traffic stop.”
Clarksville Now reached out to MCSO for further comment and details about the traffic stop. Brandon said no further information will be released at this time as the case is active.