ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — A Zanesville man with an extensive criminal history has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to a felony drug charge in Muskingum County.
Kyle Sharrer, 34, appeared before Muskingum County Common Pleas Judge Gerald Anderson on July 8 for sentencing on one count of aggravated possession of drugs, a second-degree felony.
Assistant Prosecutor Lucas Howard requested the maximum sentence, citing what he described as Sharrer’s repeated criminal behavior. During the hearing, Sharrer’s attorney argued his client believed he had been drugged so he could be robbed and claimed that was how the methamphetamine came into his possession.
Judge Anderson sentenced Sharrer to seven years in prison on the drug conviction. The judge also found Sharrer had violated the terms of his post-release control from a previous conviction, terminated that supervision and ordered him to serve an additional consecutive one-year prison term, bringing his total sentence to eight years.
Authorities said deputies arrested Sharrer earlier this year at a local motel while serving an active warrant issued by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation. During a search, deputies found a large quantity of methamphetamine on his person.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at the motel room and searched Sharrer’s vehicle, recovering additional drugs. Authorities said the total amount of methamphetamine seized exceeded 30 grams.
According to prosecutors, Sharrer’s criminal record includes prior convictions for escape, having weapons while under disability, possession of cocaine, possession of drugs, burglary, possession of criminal tools and theft.
“The sentence in this case represents the most substantial punishment Mr. Sharrer has received for his crimes to date,” Howard said. “If you choose to repeatedly commit crimes in Muskingum County, the end result will be a lengthy prison sentence every single time.”
Last Updated on July 17, 2026 by AVC News
