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MURRAY — Police have arrested a man who was a program director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake after they say he solicited sex from a young child.
Patrick Robert Baker, 25, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail Monday for investigation of enticing of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and sodomy on a child.
Baker was "the teen program director at the Murray Boys & Girls Clubs" at the time of his arrest, which gave him access to children, according to a police booking affidavit.
On Tuesday, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake issued a statement saying that as soon as administrators learned of Baker's arrest, he was immediately terminated and is now barred from all club facilities and programs.
"The safety and protection of the young people we serve is always our absolute highest priority, and we take any situation that might impact their well-being very seriously. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake has learned of the recent arrest of a former employee," the organization said. "We remain both shocked and deeply concerned by this very serious matter as crimes involving children run counter to everything our mission stands for — our hearts are with any victim and their family. We plan to offer our full cooperation to authorities as needed.
"Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake is committed to the highest standards of ethical behavior and integrity and does not tolerate inappropriate or illegal activity on the part of any staff member, volunteer or youth member. All employees must undergo a thorough criminal background check prior to hire and annually, and all supervisory procedures are designed to ensure the maximum safety and protection of club members and staff," the statement says.
Baker on Monday contacted an undercover officer online who was posing as a 5-year-old boy, according to police. Baker said he wanted to engage in sexual activity with the boy and made arrangements to meet him, the affidavit alleges.
"(He) was arrested when he arrived at the arranged location. (Baker) attempted to run from law enforcement, and had to be taken to the ground to be placed in custody," the affidavit says.
Baker also had child sex abuse material on his phone, according to the arrest report.
