'Partner' Jaynie Mae Baker charged in UES hooker ring

An attractive professional matchmaker surrendered in Manhattan Supreme Court Tuesday and was charged with being a top aide to the suburban soccer mom accused of running an Upper East Side brothel.

Jaynie Mae Baker, 30, who was in the Mexican resort of Cabo san Lucas when word leaked last week that she was wanted in connection with the case against alleged madam Anna Gristina, flew back to New York Saturday night to face the charges.

"We have numerous informants over the years who have discussed Ms. Baker's role in the operation," said Asst. District Attorney Charles Linehan during her arraignment.

Baker pleaded not guilty to one count of promoting prostitution and was whisked away with her sister in a black limousine after being released on a $100,000 bond. Lawyer Robert Gottlieb said his client's matchmaking was not a front for prostitution.

"She has had legitimate jobs," Gottlieb said. "She's a legitimate matchmaker. There is nothing sordid or wrong or illegal in the jobs she has had."

He also said Baker was active in a range of charitable activities, raising money for Indian children, Romanian orphanages and soup kitchens in New York.

"This woman is a compassionate, caring and very socially conscious young woman," Gottlieb said.

Prosecutors arrested Gristina in late February after a 5-year investigation. On wiretapped phone calls, they said she had bragged about making millions supplying women to wealthy men and of having a contact in law enforcement that warned her of raids and investigations.

The Scottish mother of four, who lives on a pig farm in Monroe, has been held at Riker's Island on a $2 million bond. Prosecutors claim she is a flight risk.

A hearing to review Gristina's bail is set for Thursday.

(with Newsday)