Jasper County- On February 2, 2024, Indiana State Police District 13 Field Investigations filed criminal charges against Meagan Baker (mother) and Kayla Baker (daughter) through the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office. The two were employed by Brian Shields DDS, which had been conducting business in Demotte, IN, when the crime occurred. The office, formerly located at 520 8th Ave. NE, Demotte, IN, closed in July of 2023, after accounting irregularities were discovered by Dr. Shields. The investigation was requested by Dr. Shields on November 9th, 2023.
Detectives interviewed over forty patients of the practice and found that patients were convinced by either Kayla or Meagan to pay cash to receive a discount for services at the dental practice. Per Dr. Shields, the cash discount was not a regular practice of the business. During the investigation, it was discovered that the cash was not deposited into the dental practice bank account. Additionally, detectives found that records pertaining to cash payments were deleted in the dental practice computer system. The investigation also revealed several thousands of dollars in cash had been deposited into Kayla Baker’s bank accounts.
Kayla Baker has been charged with the following crimes:
- Theft of at least $50,000.00 – Level 5 Felony
- Corrupt Business Influence – Level 5 Felony
- Fraud – Level 5 Felony
- Obstruction of Justice – Level 6 Felony
- Forgery – Level 6 Felony
Meagan Baker has been charged with the following crimes:
- Theft of at least $50,000.00 – Level 5 Felony
- Corrupt Business Influence – Level 5 Felony
- Fraud – Level 5 Felony
- Obstruction of Justice – Level 6 Felony
All suspects are presumed innocent until/unless proven guilty in court. Mug photos may be obtained by contacting the Jasper County Sheriff's Department Jail Division.