CASSOPOLIS — A determined homeowner and alert state troopers combined to bring a seasoned Indiana criminal to justice for directing a home invasion foray into Cass County last summer.

A jury of seven women and five men convicted Todd Jay Baker of conspiracy to commit home invasion in the second degree, home invasion in the second degree, conspiracy to commit larceny in a building and larceny in a building after deliberating for an hour on Wednesday, Dec. 1. Baker has a lengthy criminal record, including convictions for burglary (2003) and armed robbery (2001) in Plainwell, Ind., and robbery (1997) in Elkhart, Ind.

Prosecutor Victor Fitz, said Thursday, “Protecting homeowners is a top priority.  If you do this type of crime in Cass County you will face major time.” Baker faces up to life in prison at his Jan. 7, 2011, sentencing in front of trial Judge Michael Dodge.

Testimony showed that on July 11, 2010, Baker, who resides in South Bend, traveled with a male and female accomplice to Bertrand Road in Milton Township where owners weren’t home. Baker checked doors, looked in the window, then tore a screen off the bedroom window to enter the house. Believing the coast was clear, the defendant gathered up several bags of electronic equipment, jewelry, DVDs, CDs and hats. He placed those items by the door and requested one of his fellow commandos to help carry the purloined goods to the car.

At that time, the victim arrived home and surprised the conspirators in the act of invading her house. Baker and his male accomplice ran out the back door into the woods. They were later captured by Michigan State Police a short distance away on foot. The female accomplice drove off. The victim followed the female until police were able to stop her car and arrest her.

Both accomplices pleaded guilty to home invasion in the second degree and conspiracy to commit larceny in a building.

Both testified at Baker’s trial as part of a plea agreement.

Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Frank Machnik said, “Baker was held accountable because of the quick thinking of the victim who followed the car, giving the state police direction so they could make that arrest and because of the state police’s immediate response to the victim’s call. Because of their actions, a dangerous criminal charged as a fourth habitual offender from previous robberies, including one armed robbery, was caught and will spend a significant amount of time in prison,” Machnik said.