Elisa Baker pleaded not guilty in her arraignment hearing for four felony charges in Caldwell County Wednesday afternoon.
Baker, 42, was in court for two counts each of felony identity theft and felony obtaining property by false pretenses. She is accused of using her daughter’s information to obtain phone and communication information from CenturyLink at a Hudson residence, as well as that same daughter’s information to get services from Duke Energy.
Baker was transported from the Catawba County jail in an unmarked car. When she arrived at the Caldwell County courthouse she was wearing a bulletproof vest. Two SWAT officers in tactical gear and assault rifles were waiting near the entrance to ensure Baker arrived safely inside.
Caldwell County Sheriff Alan Jones and Catawba County Sheriff Coy Reid said Baker has not received any death threats that would account for the extra security. Jones said this is something that is done for high-profile cases. A SWAT officer said they are called to the courthouse to assist with defendants fewer than 10 times a year.
As Baker walked into the courtroom, legs shackled, she bit her lips and looked around with wide eyes.
Prosecutor Eric Bellas handed the discovery containing 114 pages of evidence on a CD to defense attorney Scott Reilly in court.
Judge Beverly Beal inquired whether a plea had been offered by the district attorney’s office.
“There has been no plea offer, there will not be a plea offer extended,” Bellas said.
The next administrative court date will be July 11. Bellas asked to have Baker arraigned on the charges on Wednesday, as well.
Reilly objected.
“I just received discovery. I don’t think she should be treated any differently than others,” he said.
The judge overruled his objections. Reilly entered a plea of not guilty to the four felonies on his client’s behalf.
Bellas also asked to set a trial date for Aug. 2. Reilly objected, again citing that he had just received the discovery in the case only moments earlier.
“The discovery’s been ready since April 5,” Bellas said.
Beal agreed with Reilly, saying there was still the potential for motions to be filed in the case.
Baker did not speak during the hearing, except for a few brief words to Reilly before she left the courtroom.
Baker is married to Adam Baker and is stepmother to 10-year-old Zahra Baker. Zahra went missing in the fall. Hickory police determined it to be a homicide. Most of her body was found dismembered in parts of Caldwell County in October and November. Investigators believe Zahra likely died on Sept. 24 and her body disposed of the following day.
Baker has been charged with second-degree murder in Zahra’s death, as well as obstruction of justice. Adam has not been charged in connection with her death, although he is facing other charges unrelated to the case. He was most recently arrested in Catawba County on April 12 for obtaining property by false pretenses and identity theft.
Reilly said he plans to file a change of venue motion for Baker’s charges in Catawba County, as well as what she faces in Caldwell County.
“People in Caldwell County know about the case, have heard about the case,” he said. “I don’t think she can get a fair trial.”
Reilly is waiting for supporting evidence from a survey he’s having completed before he files his motion.
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