ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — A 73-year-old Zanesville landlord has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to intimidating a tenant in a case involving sexual demands and racist messages.
Kevin Baker appeared before Muskingum County Common Pleas Judge Kelly Cottrill on June 27, where he was sentenced to two years in prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of intimidation, a third-degree felony. He faced a maximum sentence of three years.
According to the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, Baker’s attorney requested probation, noting that Baker had sold his rental properties and was living in a nursing home.
During the sentencing hearing, Baker told the judge the case had “put him through hell.” Judge Cottrill responded that the victim—not Baker—was the person who had suffered, identifying Baker as the perpetrator.
The investigation found Baker’s actions began in 2024 when he instructed a female tenant to deliver her rent payment to his home. When she arrived, prosecutors said Baker invited her inside, where she found him naked.
Authorities said Baker later appeared at the victim’s residence unannounced and repeatedly called her late at night, asking her to come outside.
After Baker filed an eviction case against the woman in Zanesville Municipal Court, prosecutors said he sent messages offering to dismiss the eviction if she performed a sexual act. The victim preserved the messages, which also included racist remarks and claims that Baker, a retired police officer, had influence in the local court system.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Litle said Baker continued to minimize his actions throughout the case.
“Baker’s behavior in this case was completely unacceptable,” Litle said. “Even to the end, he continued minimizing his behavior, and we are grateful that Judge Cottrill saw through his performance and held him accountable.”
The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office encourages anyone who has been sexually extorted, intimidated, or victimized by a landlord to report the incident to law enforcement and the appropriate fair housing authorities.
Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by AVC News
