He’s the new face on the board with big hopes for moving Scioto County forward. But even the freshest start can’t outrun a scandal that just won’t die.
🚨 Newly appointed Commissioner Merit Smith says economic development is a top priority—but there’s just one problem: Scioto County is still stuck in neutral, thanks to the legal tailspin surrounding disgraced former Economic Development Director Robert Horton.
Smith stepped into office after the tragic death of Commissioner Cathy Coleman, determined to help steer the county’s future. But as he and the rest of the commissioners try to reignite stalled projects and attract new developers, the ghost of Horton’s alleged fraud continues to haunt every plan.
💼 NO CLEAR LEADER, NO CLEAR PATH
“We’re all pitching in,” said Commissioner Scottie Powell. “But we don’t have a single point of contact yet.” Without a new director and with the shadow of potential co-conspirators still hanging over the office, even routine meetings feel like walking through quicksand.
After going a full year without meeting, the Southern Ohio Port Authority (SOPA) finally got back on track with a July 21 session and another set for August 18. But officials admit: it’s still a long way from normal.
🕵️♂️ WAITING ON A TRIAL THAT WON’T START
And just when you think there might be movement—court dates vanish.
- Horton’s original July 28 trial? Vacated.
- July 30 status hearing? Held, but as of now—no update filed.
- No new trial date, no unmasking of the mysterious “John and Jane Doe” co-conspirators.
👨⚖️ The man presiding over this legal gridlock is Retired Judge Dean Evans from Gallia County, brought in to avoid any local bias.
💣 THE VALENTINE’S DAY BOMBSHELL
The case that stopped everything in its tracks broke wide open on February 14, when Horton was indicted on:
- Theft in Office
- Aggravated Theft
- Money Laundering
- Bribery
- Tampering with Public Records
His wife, Lioubov Horton, also faces a dozen charges, accused of helping funnel public funds into a fake business operation for personal gain. Prosecutors say Horton ordered businesses to destroy evidence once the State Auditor came sniffing.
🔍 A COUNTY IN LIMBO
While Powell says he’s having productive talks with potential developers and other counties, the reality is harsh: until this case moves forward, everything else is on hold.
“We don’t want to build a system that falls apart the minute new charges come down,” Powell admitted.
📉 BOTTOM LINE:
Commissioner Smith may be ready to get things moving—but the gears of justice are grinding slowly. Until the Horton scandal is resolved, Scioto County’s comeback is stuck at the starting line.
➡️ Stay tuned. The stakes are high, and the next move could change everything.
