Gang activity suspect to be extradited from Florida

THOMASVILLE — Gathering of evidence by city detectives pointed to an inmate in a South Florida jail, according to authorities.

The suspect, Nash Stephen Baker, 21, 10861 Marble Brook Blvd., Lehigh Acres, Florida, will be charged with aggravated battery and criminal street gang activity in Thomasville. He is housed in the Lee County Jail in Florida.

"(Mr.) Baker apparently is the leader of a criminal street gang," said Capt. Maurice Holmes, commander of the Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division. 

Street gangs in different places are connected, the commander said, adding that the gangs are "connected everywhere."

Baker recruits juveniles to commit crimes, such as entering autos, and recruited juveniles in Thomasville, Holmes said.

Warrants were issued in Thomasville for Baker, who is expected to be extradited to Thomasville next week.

Baker is being held in Florida for questioning in two forcible felonies.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820