Pokemon Thief Catches Prison Sentence

On February 27, 2026, in Department 4 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced Michael Ryan Baker, age 31, of Fresno, to four years in state prison for robbery.

Around 9:30 in the morning on April 25, 2025, Visalia Police Department Officers responded to a gas station on Dinuba Boulevard for reports of a theft. Police learned that Baker stole $1,000 worth of Pokémon cards. When confronted, witnesses stated that Baker lifted his shirt in a threatening manner as if he had a weapon in his waistband. After a brief chase out of the store, employees saw that Baker had parked his car directly behind the store with the trunk open. Baker fled the scene but was identified by video surveillance and was taken into custody two days later.

On October 6, 2025, Baker pleaded no contest to felony second-degree robbery with the special allegation that he possesses a prior serious felony conviction (robbery) from Fresno County in 2016.

The case was investigated by the Visalia Police Department.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494