County takes custody of Baker's children

County takes custody of Baker's 3 children
Barrett J. Brunsman Enquirer staff writer
Cincinnati Enquirer, September 2, 2006, News pg.4A

BATAVIA - Amy Baker's three children were taken from her this week after a Clermont County judge was told Baker allowed them to be subjected to domestic violence and remain under the care of Liz and David J. Carroll Jr., despite concerns over the disappearance of their foster son, Marcus Fiesel.

Baker also "reported to law enforcement that she was aware of the abuse to the foster child in the home of Liz and David Carroll," according to an affidavit filed Wednesday in connection with an emergency custody hearing in Clermont County Juvenile Court.

The Carrolls, who have been charged in the death of 3-year-old Marcus, apparently met Baker when she needed a baby sitter.

"They are my day-care providers through Clermont County," Baker told The Enquirer on Aug. 23. "I have known them for about two years. We're also friends."

Baker told The Enquirer she socialized with the Carrolls and had spent some nights at their home, "but I don't live there."

Liz Carroll was certified as a day-care provider in May 2004 by Clermont County. The license was revoked Aug. 17 - two days after Marcus was reported missing - because Liz Carroll had failed to inform the agency about a change in how many people lived in the house, said county spokeswoman Kathy Lehr.

That was because it was determined another foster child lived in the home. "Amy Baker is currently homeless and unemployed," according to the affidavit of Susan Grabowski and Tammie Armstrong, who are investigations supervisors for the Clermont County Department of Children's Protective Services.

Juvenile Court Judge Stephanie Wyler turned over custody of the Baker children to that agency, which typically places such children in foster care. Wyler scheduled a Sept. 18 formal hearing on the custody of the Baker children. On the same day, Wyler is to hold a hearing to determine permanent custody of four of David and Liz Carroll's children.

On Tuesday, Wyler placed them in foster care, after Grabowski and Armstrong swore in affidavits the children had been beaten with belts by the Carrolls.

While previously receiving welfare payments, Baker reported she lived at one residence but was "staying at another," according to the most recent court document. "She has allowed her children to be subjected to domestic violence," the document said. "

She continued to allow her children to be in the care of Liz and David Carroll after concerns arose regarding their foster child." Speaking of her children, Baker previously told The Enquirer: "I don't trust them with anybody else but Liz and David."

Baker's children are ages 7, 5 and 3.

She told The Enquirer she was divorcing her husband, Brian J. Baker, a former resident of Amelia. "Attempts were made to meet with Amy Baker in order to assist her family with securing housing and counseling," the court document said. "Due to a pending criminal investigation, the children needed emergency placement."

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters has said Amy Baker is expected to be an important witness against the Carrolls.