A criminal investigation in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has led to multiple felony charges against a local landlord accused of leveraging his control over housing to solicit sexual acts from tenants. Authorities allege that 61-year-old Michael Zolper exploited the vulnerability of renters facing financial hardship, eviction risk, or housing insecurity by offering to waive rent obligations, bypass tenant screening procedures, or allow continued occupancy in exchange for sexual favors.
The allegations, detailed in a criminal complaint and supported by multiple witness statements, prompted a month-long police investigation that culminated in Zolper’s arrest in early February. The case has drawn attention to concerns about power imbalances in rental housing relationships and the legal implications of coercion tied to essential needs such as shelter.
Investigators say several women have come forward describing similar experiences across different properties owned by Michael Zolper over multiple years. Law enforcement officials are now urging additional potential victims to contact authorities as the investigation remains ongoing.
Zolper faces four felony counts filed in Brown County, including sexual extortion, threats to injure or accuse of a crime, and two counts of solicitation of prostitutes. He has denied asking tenants for sexual favors and has characterized some interactions as consensual relationships or jokes taken out of context. His case is scheduled to proceed through the court system, with a preliminary hearing set for April.
Details of the Allegations and Criminal Charges
According to investigators, the case began in January when Green Bay detectives received a report alleging that Michael Zolper had been obtaining sexual acts from tenants in exchange for relief from eviction or late rent enforcement. The complaint triggered a broader inquiry into his rental practices, particularly at properties located on August Street and other areas of the city.
Police interviews with tenants and former tenants revealed a pattern of alleged conduct in which housing stability was directly tied to sexual compliance. One tenant told investigators she had never engaged in sexual activity with Zolper but reported hearing that he demanded oral sex from another woman living in the same building. She also described repeated encounters in which he allegedly asked her to expose herself while he collected rent payments. According to her statement, Zolper questioned why she consistently paid rent on time and suggested other tenants were not meeting their obligations.
The same tenant also told police she was aware of at least two women who had reported inappropriate behavior and were subsequently evicted shortly after making complaints. Investigators are examining whether eviction actions may have been used as retaliation against tenants who refused or reported sexual propositions.
Another woman described circumstances that investigators say illustrate the alleged coercive nature of the interactions. She reported that Michael Zolper offered to skip a required background check for housing approval if she performed oral sex. According to her statement, she complied because she feared homelessness and had no alternative housing options. She also reported having mobility challenges and needing assistance with transportation. She alleged that Zolper required sexual acts in exchange for providing rides.
The same victim told police that while Michael Zolper did not always make direct threats, he frequently referred to the possibility of her ending up in a shelter or on the street if she did not cooperate. She stated that she told him multiple times she did not want to participate in sexual acts but felt pressured due to her dependence on housing and support.
Read : Dollars for Dung! Maryland Zoo Offers to Name Animal Poop After Your Ex This Valentine’s Day
A second woman reported interactions dating back more than a decade. She told investigators she first rented from Zolper in 2013 or 2014 and believed he attempted to exchange rent obligations for sexual activity. She said she never complied. Years later, she rented another property he owned and alleged he again proposed sexual favors in exchange for allowing her to remain in the unit. She was eventually evicted, which she believes occurred because she refused sexual contact.
Read : Biggest Strike in Samsung’s History Begins in South Korea as 6,500 Workers Walk Off the Job
The eviction was reportedly justified on grounds that she had unauthorized occupants and a dog, claims she disputes. These accounts form the basis of the sexual extortion and solicitation charges. Prosecutors allege that Michael Zolper used his authority over tenants’ housing situations to pressure or induce sexual acts, actions that could constitute criminal coercion under state law.
The charge of threats to injure or accuse of a crime relates to allegations that tenants were implicitly or explicitly warned of negative consequences if they refused his demands. Even when not phrased as direct threats, investigators say references to eviction, homelessness, or legal action may qualify as coercive pressure when tied to sexual requests.
Statements to Police and the Defense Position
During a February 6 interview with Green Bay police, Michael Zolper acknowledged that he had personal relationships with some tenants but denied engaging in coercive or transactional sexual arrangements. According to the complaint, he told investigators he had dated multiple tenants in the past and that some had lived in his home. He identified one of the reporting individuals as someone with whom he had a sexual relationship, stating that the relationship was consensual and separate from rental obligations.
Michael Zolper also reportedly told police he had joked with two women that he felt like he was being paid for sex but maintained that money exchanged between them was strictly rent and not payment for sexual activity. Investigators are assessing whether such statements reflect humor, misunderstanding, or admissions relevant to the charges.
Regarding tenant screening, Zolper stated that most applicants undergo background checks but suggested he may have joked about waiving a background check in exchange for oral sex. He denied making any serious offers or demands tied to housing decisions. He told police he assumed the interview was related to accusations that he traded sex for rent and stated he had not asked any tenant for sexual favors. Authorities, however, say witness statements and other evidence contradict those claims and support the criminal charges.
Legal proceedings will determine whether prosecutors can demonstrate that any sexual interactions were obtained through coercion or abuse of power rather than voluntary relationships. The distinction between consensual relationships and extortion involving housing dependency is expected to be a central issue in court.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Zolper was arrested on February 6 following what police described as a month-long investigation. He made his initial court appearance on February 9, when a judge set bail at $5,000. According to jail records, he posted bail and was released the same day. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 9, at which time the court will review evidence to determine whether the case will proceed to trial. If convicted, the felony charges carry potential penalties that could include imprisonment and financial penalties, depending on the specific findings of the court.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is still active. Detectives believe additional victims may exist, particularly because the alleged conduct spans multiple properties and several years. Police have publicly identified several locations where Zolper owned rental units, including properties in the 1800 block of August Street, 2000 block of Beech Tree Court, 100 block of Berwyn Avenue, 1200 block of Cedar Street, 900 block of Dousman Street, and 2700 block of Finger Road.
Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone who may have had similar experiences or relevant information to contact the Green Bay Police Department. Anonymous reporting options are also available through Crime Stoppers, online tip submissions, and mobile reporting applications. Investigators have indicated that additional charges could be filed if more victims come forward or if further evidence emerges. The scope of the investigation includes reviewing rental records, eviction filings, tenant applications, and communications between Michael Zolper and renters.
The case highlights the legal complexities surrounding landlord-tenant relationships when allegations of coercion intersect with housing dependency. Prosecutors must demonstrate not only that sexual activity occurred but also that it was obtained through threats, pressure, or abuse of authority connected to housing control.
As the case progresses, court proceedings will examine witness testimony, documentary evidence, and statements made during the investigation. The outcome will depend on whether the prosecution can establish that the alleged conduct meets the statutory definitions of sexual extortion and related offenses under Wisconsin law.