Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A prominent Midlands pastor is facing a charge of criminal domestic violence.
Michael Henry Baker, 55, was booked at the Richland County Detention Center.
An incident report state that on March 16, Baker got into a fight with the victim at a home on Hunt Club Road. The victim says she'd taken a bath, and came into the bedroom to pick up her cell phone as she got ready for bed. However, she told officers that the phone was gone, and when she asked Baker if he had it, he said yes.
She then says she asked him three times if she could get it back, but he refused, and when she tried to get the phone from him, he shoved her to the floor. The woman said she hit her head on the wall, and that her hand was bleeding from the assault.
She said she got up, asked for the phone again, but he shoved her down another time. The report says Baker then took out a flashlight and used it to smash her cellphone.
The woman then went to a neighbor's house and called 9-1-1, but told officers she didn't want Baker to go to jail. She filled out a report, and officers eventually field charges against him.
Baker is the pastor of Greater St. Luke Baptist Church in Columbia, and is also the Executive Director of the Light of The World Economic Community Development Corporation.
He's also listed as a reserve chaplain with the Richland County Sheriff's Department. According to the agency's website, Baker is a nationally known for his ministry, and is a published author.
It also says he is the founder of the Annual Pastor’s Cup Golf Tournament and currently serves on the Executive Board of the National Action Network under the leadership of Reverend Al Sharpton.