PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A New Jersey high school athletic director has been charged after police say he was captured on home surveillance video allegedly peering into a young woman’s bedroom window in a Bucks County neighborhood.
Winfield A. “Tripp” Baker, 48, director of athletics at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Mercer County, New Jersey, was charged following an August 6 incident in the Cabin Run development, according to the Plumstead Township Police Department.
Police said officers responded to a home on Split Log Drive at approximately 10:41 p.m. after receiving a report that an adult male had been looking into a young female’s bedroom window.
According to investigators, the homeowner’s surveillance system captured the incident, allowing officers to identify the suspect as a Cabin Run resident and neighbor of the complainant.
Police filed misdemeanor charges
Authorities charged Baker with loitering and prowling, a third-degree misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law, along with a summary harassment offense.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 before Magisterial District Judge Maggie Snow Gambardella in Ottsville.
Police initially announced the charges without identifying the defendant. Baker’s identity later became public through court records and media reports.
School district places Baker on leave
Hopewell Valley Regional School District notified families that a school employee had been charged with harassment and related offenses.
According to multiple reports, Baker has been placed on administrative leave while the matter is investigated and has been prohibited from entering school property.
School officials have not publicly commented further on the pending criminal case.
Investigation began with surveillance video
According to the Plumstead Township Police Department, the investigation began after the homeowner reviewed security camera footage allegedly showing the suspect outside the residence.
Police said the video enabled investigators to identify the individual because he was known to the complainant and resided in the same neighborhood.
The criminal charges remain allegations, and Baker is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
- Police responded to the Cabin Run development in Plumstead Township on Aug. 6.
- Authorities allege Winfield A. “Tripp” Baker was seen peering into a young woman’s bedroom window.
- Baker serves as athletic director at Hopewell Valley Central High School in New Jersey.
- He has been charged with loitering and prowling and summary harassment.
- Hopewell Valley Regional School District placed Baker on administrative leave.
- A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.
FAQ
- Who is Winfield A. “Tripp” Baker?
- Baker is the athletic director at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Mercer County, New Jersey.
- What charges has Baker been accused of?
- He has been charged with third-degree misdemeanor loitering and prowling and a summary harassment offense under Pennsylvania law.
- How did police identify the suspect?
- Investigators said home surveillance footage captured the incident and identified the suspect as a neighbor of the complainant.
- Has Baker been convicted?
- No. The charges are pending, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sources: Plumstead Township Police Department, Hopewell Valley Regional School District
