The pressure on Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis to step down just got louder. This week, the Scioto County Democratic Party doubled down on its call for Davis to resign, pointing to his felony indictments and the fact that he hasn’t shown up for work in weeks—yet he’s still cashing in a taxpayer-funded salary.
The Statement
In a strongly worded release, local Democrats said:
- Davis has been absent from at least six straight commission meetings since his August indictment.
- Despite his no-shows, he’s still collecting his $64,276 annual salary, which equals about $1,236 per week—roughly $7,500 so far for work he hasn’t done.
- “That’s not only financial irresponsibility, but moral hypocrisy,” the statement read, noting Davis’s background as both a pastor and a politician who claimed to champion “fiscal responsibility.”
The party’s message was blunt: “Enough is enough. For the good of Scioto County, Bryan Davis must resign immediately.”
The Charges
Davis and his wife Lori were indicted on August 22, 2025, facing 13 felony counts tied to the Southern Ohio Aeronautical Regional Business Park scandal.
- Bryan Davis: engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, two counts of theft in office, aggravated theft, and money laundering.
- Lori Davis: money laundering, tampering with evidence, and receiving stolen property.
The indictment tied them to former Economic Development Director Robert Horton, who, along with his wife Lioubov, is also awaiting trial on a long list of corruption charges.
Who’s Already Called for Davis to Resign?
- Commissioners Scottie Powell and Merit Smith
- Scioto County Republican Central Committee
- Scioto County Democratic Party
- Community members at public meetings
- First Ward Councilman Sean Dunne, who pushed for Portsmouth City Council to pass a resolution (though council declined, saying it wasn’t their role).
What the Law Says
Here’s the catch: under Ohio law, Davis can’t be forced out unless he’s convicted.
A three-judge panel could have suspended him on paid leave, but Davis chose to do so voluntarily meaning he still draws his salary until the case is resolved. If found guilty, he’d have to pay that money back.
The Road Ahead
Davis’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October 21 in Judge Howard Harcha’s courtroom.
Meanwhile, Robert Horton’s case remains in limbo, with another status conference now pushed back to November 19.
