Rolla Man Sentenced on Two Counts of Involuntary Manslaughter

BISMARCK - United States Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced that on June 23, 2008, Gary R. Baker, 36, of Rolla, North Dakota, was sentenced before United States District Court Chief Judge Daniel L. Hovland on two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Baker pleaded guilty to the charges on April 8, 2008.

On June 30, 2007, Anthony Hoeger and his passenger Gregory McGillis were stopped on Hoeger’s motorcycle at the intersection of BIA Road #9 and BIA Road #10 facing east, anticipating a left turn when Baker struck the motorcycle from behind. At the time of the crash, Baker was driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Anthony Hoeger and Gregory McGillis died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Judge Hovland sentenced Baker to serve three years and 10 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Baker was ordered to pay restitution of $6006.43 and to pay $200 in special assessments to the Crime Victim's Fund.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs - Turtle Mountain Agency.

Assistant United States Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.

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