Assistant District Attorney Justin Edwards asked for the case against Robert C. Baker to be dismissed before his preliminary hearing went forward this morning. Baker, the former assistant principal at Cloud Elementary, was accused in March of abusing a 6-year-old at the school.

Sedgwick County District Judge Ben Burgess signed the entry Monday afternoon.

Dan Monnat, Baker's attorney, said charges were dropped after the state continued to investigate the case.

"As an educator who spent his entire career of 36 years teaching and mentoring children, Mr. Baker completely understands that when a child makes an allegation of abuse, it must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated," Monnat said.

"He is also appreciative that, upon investigation, the state seems to have realized what he has maintained all along: that he is innocent of any wrongdoing and that the allegations are not supported by consistent medical or factual evidence," Monnat added. "Mr. Baker and his family are grateful for a district attorney who, even after charges are filed, will continue to review charges and evidence to see that justice and fairness are finally achieved."

Baker is retired from the school district.