After three no-shows, a former Madera County Supervisor appeared in a Fresno County Courtroom on Tuesday.

81-year-old Harry Baker of Oakhurst is facing one count of lewd acts on a 13-year-old.

Baker showed up to court in a wheelchair with his attorney and a nurse/aid, along with a portable respirator and a mask. Baker's attorney says his client is not able to speak and only nods.

Over the last month Baker is said to have undergone surgery to have a breathing apparatus put in his throat; he has also battled pneumonia.

Baker entered a not guilty plea in court. His pre-prelim hearing is set for January 6th. The judge in the case excused Baker's previous absences, finding that they were in good cause due to his medical condition.

Baker's attorney claims Baker is the victim in the case. He says gypsies set up Baker, recorded the encounter without him knowing and have extorted nearly $300,000 dollars from him over the past couple of years.

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