Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Zanesville Fraudster Gets Hard Time Behind Bars
A Zanesville man found guilty of defrauding multiple people, including senior citizens, in a real-estate scam was sentenced to five years in prison for his crimes.
Michael E. Duvall, Jr., age 51, appeared in Muskingum Court of Common Pleas on February 5, where Judge Kelly Cottrill sentenced him to serve prison time and pay restitution to those he scammed.
Throughout 2023, Duvall took money transfers from multiple people applying to rent housing from him but did not actually intend to let them move into the house.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hughes says he thinks justice for those Duvall defrauded has been served.
“Just because a crime is ‘financial’ in nature doesn't mean that prison isn’t appropriate,” Hughes said. “With the participation of his co-defendant, Duvall defrauded both young persons who are just trying to save up and get started in life, as well as the elderly, who often have limited means.”
###
Follow the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office on Facebook for the most current and complete information.
