Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Columbus Man Sells Drugs for Imprisoned Human Trafficker, Receives 16 Year Sentence
(ZANESVILLE, OH) -
On Monday, May 18, 2026, Mark Baylor, 51, appeared before Judge Kelly Cottrill to receive sentencing for charges that stem from Baylor orchestrating the sale of drugs for an imprisoned human trafficker. Baylor previously admitted guilt to the charges of Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, two counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl, and two counts of Money Laundering.
Judge Cottrill handed down a sentence of 16 years in prison to the Columbus man.
Facts of the Case:
Baylor came to the attention of the Muskingum County Joint Drug Unit and CODE Task Force when he began distributing fentanyl to local drug dealers for distribution in Muskingum County.
Through their investigation, the drug unit proved that Baylor was bringing drugs from Columbus and into Muskingum County at the direction of a man serving 40 years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for human trafficking.
The case, directed by Det. Chase Lanning, proved that while Baylor was making drug sales, he was on the phone with the imprisoned felon, and he was receiving real-time instructions on how much fentanyl to sell, and the price for which he should sell the fentanyl to various local drug dealers.
That behavior ultimately led to the downfall of the criminal enterprise and Baylor’s lengthy prison sentence. Baylor will be 67 years old at the conclusion of his sentence.
“We make every possible effort to convey the seriousness with which crime will be taken in this community, but obviously for some men the message has not gotten through, resulting in this week’s sentence,” according to Assistant Prosecutor John Litle who jointly handled the case with APA Lucas Howard. “It bears repeating: Do not bring drugs to Muskingum County, do not sell drugs in Muskingum County, and do not use drugs in Muskingum County.”
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