North Columbus News

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Johnny Baker, the chief of the Coalton volunteer fire department, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison by a U.S. District Court for misusing over $200,000 in department funds for personal expenses.

Baker, aged 38 and a resident of Wellston, Ohio, exploited his role as the manager of the fire department's finances to accumulate cash through pull tab sales. This form of legal gambling was initially introduced by Baker as a fundraising effort. Local businesses participated by selling pull tabs and forwarding the proceeds to him. Although these funds were initially used to purchase necessary supplies for the department, Baker eventually diverted them for personal use on cruises, resorts, sporting events, an ATV, firearms, and other items.

Since joining the volunteer fire department in 2009, Baker has held various positions including secretary/treasurer and assistant fire chief before becoming fire chief in January 2023.

In April, Baker pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud related to using department money to have personal items shipped to his home via UPS. As part of his sentencing, he is required to pay approximately $226,000 in restitution.

The sentence was announced by Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, along with Lesley Allison from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Twombly.