HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)- A former financial business executive has pleaded guilty to a charge of using a cell phone to arrange a crack cocaine purchase.

Allan Baker, 52, of Glastonbury, a former senior vice president at ING U.S. Financial Services made his plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court.

Baker had been a very visible figure in the Hartford business community who had served on the boards of nonprofit organizations, including the United Way and the Old State House. He had been a standout basketball player at Providence College and a trustee at the college.

Baker was among 18 people indicted last year after a six-month federal investigation. Baker admitted in his plea agreement that he had used his cell phone on Aug. 28, 2004 to purchase two “eight balls” of crack, or roughly 7 grams.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller calculated the prison term Baker faces when sentenced Dec. 23 to be in the range of 37 to 46 months.

Federal judges are no longer bound to follow federal sentencing guidelines, they still use them as a benchmark.

The charge to which Baker pleaded guilty is less severe than the original charge of conspiracy to buy and distribute more than 5 grams of crack cocaine.