Staff report

ARCHER, Fla. – JC Lorenzo Baker, Jr., 35, was arrested early this morning for domestic battery, robbery, and drug charges after a K-9 track in Archer; he was released from prison on May 7 after serving a five-year sentence and is on probation out of Marion County.

At about 11:55 p.m. on May 16, Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a home in Archer, where a family member said Baker had asked him for $5 and he had refused because he had just given Baker some money a few minutes earlier. The victim said Baker grabbed him in a chokehold, restricting his ability to breathe for several seconds, and then forcibly took his phone and $160 in cash from his wallet before fleeing the residence on foot.

A deputy reported that the victim had injuries to his neck that were consistent with his statement.

A perimeter was established, and an “extensive” K-9 track was conducted; Baker was reportedly found walking southbound on SW 136th Avenue. When he was told he would be detained, Baker allegedly reached toward his waistband, placed an object in his mouth, and then threw it into a wooded area. The object was recovered and identified as a used glass crack pipe with suspected narcotics residue.

Baker has been charged with robbery, domestic battery by strangulation, tampering with evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His complete criminal history is unavailable, but he has served four state prison sentences for 19 felony charges out of Marion County and was last released on May 7, 2025; he is also currently on probation out of Marion County. Judge James Colaw ordered him held without bail, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.