A property owner who law enforcement say refused to assist in removing tenants accused of engaging in drug activity in a home on Indiana Street is now facing legal trouble of his own.

According to Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Litle, the landlord, Harold Barnhart, was uncooperative when asked to address the ongoing illegal activity occurring at his rental property.

In a letter sent to Barnhart on Aug. 30, 2019, Litle informed Barnhart the drug trafficking activity happening at 728 Indiana St. was a violation of state law and considered a public nuisance. 

The letter detailed 30 nuisance activities occurring throughout the year, including drug dealing, disturbances, gunfire, fights and overdoses. 

Litle told Barnhart his office was willing to work with him in removing the problem.

“We desire to assist you in abating this nuisance, and are willing to work with you in order to foster a safe, crime-free environment in which you may conduct business, and Muskingum County residents may live in peace,” wrote Litle. 

On Sept. 19, Barnhart met with Bethany Hayes, investigator for the prosecutor’s office, Zanesville Police Chief Tony Coury and Zanesville Public Safety Director Keane Toney regarding the complaints.

“He was more or less begged to do something about it,” said Litle. 

However, Litle indicated in court that Barnhart was uncooperative with law enforcement, telling them it was their job to stop people from doing drugs, not his job to not rent to them. 

According to Litle, the meeting ended with Barnhart saying “You guys do what you have to do.”

When no action was taken, another letter was sent to Barnhart on Dec. 2, 2019. 

This time, Litle wrote “Please rest assured, my office will use any and all means to ensure a safe, crime-free environment in which Muskingum County residents may live in peace.”

The message was followed by an updated list of nuisance complaints at his rental property, including a seemingly higher frequency of drug activity between October and December. 

On Dec. 1, tenant Brett Alexander was observed trafficking drugs on the premises and was recorded making statements referencing drug sales. 

Law enforcement coordinated with a confidential informant (CI) to conduct a controlled buy at the house. 

On Dec. 17, the CI purchased $100 of cocaine from Mindy Tokie at the residence followed by another purchase on Dec. 19.

On Dec. 20, a search warrant was executed at 728 Indiana St. 

According to Zanesville Public Safety Director Keane Toney, Brett Alexander was arrested on the scene. Later that day, Barnhart was arrested at his home on Musser Drive in Hopewell. 

Barnhart is charged with permitting drug abuse, a fifth-degree felony, to which he pleaded guilty. Attached to that charge is a forfeiture specification which would result in Barnhart turning his property over to the State. 

In court, Litle referenced Barnhart’s comment regarding the responsibility of law enforcement to stop people from doing drugs and added that it’s also law enforcement’s job to catch people profiting from drugs.

“That’s what Mr. Barnhart was doing,” said Litle. 

Barnhart’s defense attorney, Carter Brown, told Judge Mark Fleegle that his client had been assured the activity was no longer occurring, although he does maintain he was aware of some activities. 

Barnhart is out on bond awaiting sentencing.