A longtime Zanesville-area landlord has admitted in Muskingum County court that he tried to squeeze sex out of a tenant in exchange for backing off an eviction, according to prosecutors. The 72-year-old defendant, Kevin Baker, pleaded guilty Monday to extortion-related charges that carry a potential prison term. Prosecutors say his conduct began in 2024 and included in-person confrontations as well as messages sent over Facebook Messenger.
Prosecutors Lay Out a Pattern of Coercion
According to prosecutors, Baker first told a tenant in 2024 to bring her rent to his home, then ordered her inside, and was naked when she walked in. They say he later showed up at her residence without warning and called her in the middle of the night. After filing an eviction action in Zanesville Municipal Court, he allegedly used Facebook Messenger to offer to cancel the eviction in exchange for sexual acts, even suggesting he could “get to know” the tenant’s 18-year-old daughter. “Baker’s conduct and words represent the lowest type of behaviors and attitudes,” Prosecutor Ron Welch said in a press release from the Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office.
Searches, Evidence and Case Delays
Investigators executed search warrants at Baker’s residence, where they recovered large sums of cash along with a digital video recorder that was sent for forensic analysis. Officials say no usable data could be recovered from the device and that slow data processing contributed to delays in the investigation. Authorities also note that the victim’s fear and concern about being treated unfairly made the case harder to move forward. As reported by WSYX/MyFox28, prosecutors publicly praised Assistant Prosecutor Connor Dever for pushing the case ahead.
Charges, Penalties and the Law
Baker pleaded guilty to extortion-related counts that, according to the prosecutor’s office, carry a potential three-year prison term. Sentencing will be set at a later date. Under Ohio law, extortion is a felony of the third degree. For the specific statutory language, see Ohio Revised Code §2905.11 and the sentencing ranges in §2929.14.
Victim Support and Local Response
Prosecutors say the victim reported Baker’s behavior in September to the Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority, which provided her with information on how to report the abuse. The Muskingum County press release urges anyone who is sexually extorted by a landlord to contact law enforcement and fair housing authorities for help. Court records show Baker appeared before Judge Kelly Cottrill to enter his plea, and a sentencing date has not yet been set.
Tenant Resources and Where to Turn
Tenants facing eviction or harassment can find local forms and guidance on the Zanesville Municipal Court website, and low-income renters in the region can contact Southeastern Ohio Legal Services for free legal help. Housing advocates say the case underscores how power imbalances in rental situations can put tenants at risk and highlights the need for clear, accessible reporting avenues. For assistance and filings, renters can use the Zanesville Municipal Court’s eviction resources and the intake line at Southeastern Ohio Legal Services.
