HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland resident Mark Adrian Baker, 27, has been sentenced in federal court to five years in prison for aiding and abetting obstruction of justice, according to a statement emailed to media from U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge.
U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney included a 3-year period of post-prison probation. In sentencing Baker, Judge Maloney indicated the offense “threatened the very essence of the federal criminal justice system,” according to Birge’s statement.
On July 31, 2019, Baker pleaded guilty to endeavoring to influence, obstruct, or impede the due administration of justice by publicizing the names of witnesses in an underlying methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy prosecution to scare them away from testifying.
Authorities found Baker, taking direction from the methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy’s leader, Matthew James Boeve, then in the Newaygo County Jail awaiting trial on federal drug charges, Baker posted witness names and photos of police reports to Facebook, with the “LETS PLAY A GAME… HOW MANY SNITCHES DOES IT TAKE TO CATCH Matt Boeve??? READ THE DAMN FACTS AND STOP BEING SOME DAMN TWACKS!!!! #freemattboeve #doingitright #snitchbitches” and “Share and tag so my boy boeve ppls can all see this bullshit in the papers on his case… [wink emoji] [rat emoji] #freemattboeve … #breathlessly … #goviralwithit”
The threatening posts caused at least one cooperating witness to contact law enforcement, fearing retaliation for his or her cooperation in the methamphetamine conspiracy prosecution. Screenshots of the posts, provided by Birge, were altered to redact the witness’ names
“Witnesses who come forward to testify in criminal prosecutions play a vital role in our justice system,” Birge said. “When we work with witnesses, we make their safety a priority. Any threats, harassment, or attempts to obstruct or prevent their testimony will be met with serious consequences, including years in federal prison.”
His sentiment was echoed by West Michigan Enforcement Team State Police Lt. Andy Fias, who said WEMET authorities take witness safety and protection “very seriously.” “This case brought another organization to justice, responsible for trafficking large quantities of crystal methamphetamine into west Michigan,” Fias added. “It is just another great example of the partnership we have with our federal partners in law enforcement.”
Boeve pleaded guilty on Sept. 3, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and aiding and abetting obstruction of justice for his role in the threatening Facebook posts.
Boeve, scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2020, faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and but could get up to life.
The Holland Police Department, WEMET of the Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case and the underlying methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel T. McGraw prosecuted the case.
