Woman who accused officers may face charges herself

Sandra Chereb

Friday, Aug. 25, 2000 | 4:23 a.m.

RENO, Nev. - A former prostitute who claimed she was roughed-up by a Reno police officer after she told him she'd had sex with five other officers could be prosecuted for making the bogus allegations.

An investigation by outside agencies determined none of the officers committed any crimes, although two could be disciplined by the department for misconduct related to the case, Police Chief Jerry Hoover said Thursday.

"Candace Baker was less than honest with us ... and almost totally uncooperative," Hoover said. "She pretty much used the system as best she could for her own gain."

Baker, 32, who once worked as a confidential informant, alleged she was struck by a high-ranking officer April 11, a day after she recorded an alleged argument with him in which she named other officers with whom she claimed to have had sex.

Baker further said someone fired a bullet through the windshield of her truck and that she received telephone threats after she reported the incident to police.

After making her allegations in April, Sparks police investigated the matter at Hoover's request. The also moved her to a secret apartment, also at Hoover's request.

But Baker's free rent at taxpayers' expense stopped after about two months when the investigation showed her allegations were baseless, the chief said.

The Nevada Attorney General's Office later reviewed the findings of Sparks police and determined no charges were warranted.

Hoover said Baker recanted many of her allegations and changed her story.

"She repeatedly provided conflicting information, told officers she made at least one false claim and offered up a witness who investigators later determined was not being truthful," Hoover said.

"She refused to provide specific information such as naming the officers she was complaining about or providing what she claims was the original tape that officers were allegedly trying to cover up," he said.

Sparks investigators in April seized a tape recording of an apparent argument between Baker and someone whom she claimed was a Reno officer who allegedly punched her in the face.

Baker then said the tape was a decoy, a copy that had been modified to edit out certain segments. Hoover said the woman later admitted she "concocted" it herself.

The city attorney and attorney general's office will be asked to review the case again to determine if criminal charges are warranted against Baker, though he added his department won't push for prosecution.

While no criminal charges will be filed against officers, two face disciplinary action for misconduct uncovered during the department's internal investigation.

Officer Steve Johns facing possible disciplinary action for being rude when he called Baker a "piece of filth," Hoover said.

Detective Jim Burke violated an order not to contact Baker, an ex-felon, after the criminal investigation began and had an ongoing "intimate" relationship with her.

Department supervisors will recommend disciplinary measures, Hoover said.