Police have a warrant out for the arrest of an Alberta man facing sexual assault charges dating back to his time running a horse ranch in Clearwater County.
RCMP say the investigation started after they heard from a young woman who attended summer camp at the ranch.
Wildhorse Ranch offers camps and retreats near Rocky Mountain House in Central Alberta.
One woman, who can’t be named due to a publication ban, says she spent several summers there as a teenager, and while she was a camper, she was sexually assaulted by someone running the ranch.
“It’s very hard to explain the emotional toll it’s taken. As a teenager, as a kid, you’re ashamed; you don’t want to talk about it,” said the woman.
RCMP began investigating her complaints in 2024.
“A victim who was a participant at a horse ranch in Clearwater County, and the sex assaults are alleged to have occurred by the owner of that particular ranch,” said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff.
On Jan. 15, RCMP charged and issued an arrest warrant for Barry Francis Baker, also known as “Bear.”
The 72-year-old faces charges of sexual assault, sexual assault by choking and sexual exploitation.
“We don’t believe Mr. Baker is co-operating with us, and we have made an application and received a warrant for his arrest,” said Savinkoff.
Court documents allege the sex crimes happened between 2018 and 2020.
The woman who contacted RCMP says she was 16 when the incidents began.
“Warning, just for parents in general, just to be extremely careful where they’re sending their kids, especially their young girls,” said the woman.
Wildhorse Ranch’s website no longer shows Baker as part of the team.
The operator, Diane, told CTV News, “He has nothing to do with Wildhorse Ranch. I am the full owner and solo entrepreneur of Wildhorse Ranch.”
RCMP say the investigation only involves one victim.
“Right now, as it stands, there is no call out for additional victims,” said Savinkoff.
The young woman who came forward hopes her story might make a difference for others.
“So other girls and women don’t feel so alone because it was a very isolating experience,” she said.
“It has been a big relief, knowing that I have been listened to and I have been believed, but it’s also just very emotionally difficult at the same time.”
Baker has no prior charges.
The case will be heard in Rocky Mountain House, but there are no court dates yet because Baker has not yet followed the court summons.
RCMP say if needed, they can extend warrants across Canada.
They urge Baker to come forward, or anyone who may know where he is to leave an anonymous tip by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, p3tips.com or through the P3 Tips app.
