In a case arising from possible protests at the Florida Capitol, United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank today found probable cause to believe that Daniel A. Baker, of Tallahassee, committed the offense of transmitting a communication in interstate commerce containing a threat to kidnap or injure. Judge Frank also ordered Baker
detained pending trial to assure the safety of the community. The court’s ruling comes following the combined preliminary and detention hearing that took place on January 21.
Baker was arrested by FBI agents on January 15 after he issued a “Call to Arms” for like-minded individuals to violently confront protestors gathered at the Florida Capitol. He specifically called for others to join him in encircling any protestors and confining them at the Capitol complex using firearms.
The purpose of a preliminary hearing is to ensure that the government has probable cause to proceed, and that the government does not subject individuals to unfounded charges of crime. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
