Charlie Baker’s son Andrew “A.J.” Baker has been involved in two publicized legal matters: a 2018 accusation that he groped a woman on a JetBlue flight, which produced no criminal charges, and a 2023 drunk driving arrest in Massachusetts that ended in a plea deal without a conviction.
Which Son This Is
Charlie Baker, the former Republican governor of Massachusetts and current NCAA president, has two sons, Charlie Jr. and A.J., along with a daughter, Caroline.1National Governors Association. Lauren Baker A.J. played wide receiver and was a team captain at Union College, graduating after the 2015 season.2Union Athletics. A.J. Baker Football Roster Both incidents below involve A.J.
The 2018 JetBlue Flight Allegation
On the evening of June 20, 2018, while his father was governor, A.J. Baker was accused of groping a 29-year-old female passenger on JetBlue Flight 1354 from Washington, D.C., to Boston.3ABC News. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s Son Accused of Sexual Assault About 45 minutes into the flight, according to a WCVB investigation, the woman stood up visibly shaken and told a flight attendant that Baker had touched her right breast. One witness reported hearing her tell Baker, “don’t do that,” and another saw him leaning toward her.4WCVB. Witness Heard Passenger Tell Gov. Baker’s Son “Don’t Do That”
Crew members moved the woman to a different seat and considered diverting to a New York airport before continuing to Boston, landing at Logan International Airport at 11:28 p.m. Massachusetts State Police met the plane at the gate but did not arrest Baker, releasing him at the scene.5WGBH. Where the A.J. Baker Case Stands Now Baker denied the accusation and claimed he had been asleep for the entire flight. A third witness said Baker told a flight attendant the woman was “his sister’s friend.”4WCVB. Witness Heard Passenger Tell Gov. Baker’s Son “Don’t Do That”
Because crimes aboard aircraft fall under federal jurisdiction, the matter was referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.5WGBH. Where the A.J. Baker Case Stands Now6Boston.com. Charlie Baker Son7Commonwealth Beacon. Baker Says Feds Reviewing Son’s Groping Charge
No criminal charges were ever brought. As of mid-2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office would neither confirm nor deny an investigation, and the Boston Herald reported the case “remains without any disclosure about what if any action the government has done.”8Boston Herald. Charlie Baker’s Son’s Groping Case Remains Up in the Air The Massachusetts State Police declined to release their report, citing a state law protecting records in sexual assault investigations. No formal declination to prosecute has been publicly announced.5WGBH. Where the A.J. Baker Case Stands Now
The 2023 Drunk Driving Arrest
On the evening of May 13, 2023, about two months after his father left the governor’s office, A.J. Baker, then 29 and living in South Boston, was arrested for drunk driving on Interstate 95 in Lynnfield, Massachusetts.9Boston Herald. Charlie Baker’s Son Andrew “A.J.” Baker Arrested and Charged With Drunk Driving Around 8:15 p.m., Peabody police followed his Volkswagen Jetta from Route 114 after another motorist reported erratic driving. A state trooper responded on I-95 south near Walnut Street, observed signs of intoxication, and administered field sobriety tests before arresting him. Baker’s blood alcohol level registered at 0.152, nearly twice the legal limit.10CBS News Boston. Charlie Baker Son AJ Baker Lynnfield Drunk Driving Arrest Plea He was booked at the State Police barracks in Danvers and released on personal recognizance with a $40 bail fee.11MassLive. Charlie Baker’s Son Reportedly Strikes Deal in Drunken Driving Case
Baker initially pleaded not guilty to one count of operating under the influence of liquor at his arraignment in Peabody District Court. Judge James Barretto ordered him not to drive without a valid license.12Boston Globe. Andrew Baker, Son of Former Mass. Governor, Charged With Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol On May 30, 2023, he reached a plea agreement, admitting to sufficient facts to warrant a guilty finding. Judge Barretto continued the case without a finding for a one-year probationary period ending May 28, 2024.13Boston Herald. Charlie Baker’s Son Andrew “A.J.” Baker Reaches Plea Deal for Drunk Driving Case
Under Massachusetts law, a continuance without a finding is not a conviction. Baker’s conditions included a 45-day license suspension, enrollment in a 16-week alcohol education program, and $600 in fees and costs. If he completed probation without incident, the charge would be cleared from his record.11MassLive. Charlie Baker’s Son Reportedly Strikes Deal in Drunken Driving Case Court records also showed Baker had received speeding citations in Massachusetts and New York in 2016.12Boston Globe. Andrew Baker, Son of Former Mass. Governor, Charged With Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol