ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — A Zanesville man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after a Muskingum County jury convicted him of five counts of sexual extortion and five counts of extortion.
Derron Felder received the maximum sentence after jurors deliberated for less than 30 minutes before finding him guilty on all 10 felony counts.
Muskingum County Common Pleas Judge Gerald Anderson ordered the sentences to be served consecutively after hearing from the victim and considering Felder’s criminal history, the harm caused by his conduct, his lack of remorse and his continued refusal to acknowledge the wrongfulness of his actions.
The victim told the court that Felder’s conduct caused lasting emotional and personal harm, including panic attacks and a loss of her sense of security. She also said harassment continued after Felder was incarcerated.
“I am a person who deserved better. I deserve to have my voice finally heard,” the victim said.
She asked Anderson to impose the maximum sentence.
Prosecutors said Felder’s criminal history dates back to when he was a juvenile and includes aggravated robbery, multiple drug-trafficking convictions, felonious assault, drug possession, post-release-control violations, assault, obstructing official business, domestic violence and violations of a temporary protection order.
Prosecutors also cited a separate domestic-violence case involving threats against a victim.
The state argued that Felder’s previous convictions, prison sentences, supervision and other sanctions had not prevented him from committing additional offenses and that a lengthy prison sentence was necessary to protect the public.
During the trial, prosecutors presented Facebook messages and audio recordings documenting threats made by Felder. Prosecutors said Felder also took the witness stand and admitted making the threats.
Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch said the case demonstrates the impact of sexual extortion on victims.
“This was never about a failed relationship. It was never about why intimate images existed. It was about a man deliberately using a woman’s most private moments as a weapon to threaten, humiliate and control her,” Welch said.
Welch said the 15-year sentence was the maximum permitted by law and was requested by prosecutors.
Last Updated on September 22, 2026 by AVC News
