The Scioto County political scene is on fire as local Democrats demand the immediate resignation of County Commissioners Bryan Davis and Cathy Coleman over their handling of the Robert Horton corruption scandal!
Horton, the former Scioto County Economic Development Director, is now facing a jaw-dropping 15-count indictment, including theft in office, bribery, money laundering, and evidence tampering. But here’s the kicker—Davis and Coleman voted to reinstate him, even after he was placed on paid leave during a state investigation!
Fellow Republican Commissioner Scottie Powell called the decision ‘wild’—and now, after Horton’s indictment, the backlash is hitting hard.
DEMOCRATS COME OUT SWINGING
The Scioto County Democratic Party isn’t mincing words. In a fiery statement, they blasted Davis and Coleman for betraying the trust of Scioto County taxpayers:
“Corruption at any level of government erodes the foundation of our democratic institutions and imposes a significant cost on taxpayers… Bryan Davis and Cathy Coleman must resign immediately.”
The party pointed out that Horton was originally appointed by Republican commissioners, then reinstated—against legal advice—by Davis and Coleman.
Their verdict? These commissioners can’t be trusted.
THE HORTON SCANDAL: MONEY, BRIBES & COVER-UPS
The scandal came to a head on Valentine’s Day, when a Scioto County Grand Jury hit Robert Horton and his wife, Lioubov Horton, with a mountain of felony charges.
Authorities say the couple, along with three unidentified co-conspirators, set up a fake business to funnel money from SOPA (Southern Ohio Port Authority) and the Minford Emergency Ambulance Service.
THE CHARGES STACK UP:
- Robert Horton: Theft in office, aggravated theft, money laundering, bribery, and tampering with public records.
- Lioubov Horton: Telecommunications fraud, evidence tampering, and more.
Prosecutors say Horton disguised bribes as “commissions” for his wife, falsified records, and even ordered businesses to destroy documents when the Ohio State Auditor’s Office got suspicious!
WHY DID COMMISSIONERS KEEP HIM IN POWER?
Despite mounting allegations, Davis and Coleman pushed to keep Horton in his role, arguing he was too essential to key projects. But there was one big problem—Horton was banned from interacting with county employees while on leave due to the ongoing investigation!
Despite mounting allegations, Davis and Coleman pushed to keep Horton in his role, arguing he was too essential to key projects. But there was one big problem—Horton was banned from interacting with county employees while on leave due to the ongoing investigation!
The commissioners insisted that Horton was the only person capable of handling critical county projects, from economic development initiatives to multimillion-dollar infrastructure deals. They claimed that removing him would stall progress and put major deals at risk. But critics question why they placed so much faith in a man under active investigation—especially when other qualified professionals could have stepped in.
Davis defended their actions, claiming they followed legal advice and were trying to protect county interests. But then Commissioner Coleman dropped a bombshell—SOPA hasn’t even held a meeting since last year!
So, why was keeping Horton in power so important?
JUDGE RECUSES HIMSELF AS HORTONS HEAD TO COURT
When Horton finally appeared before a judge, he pleaded not guilty and was “slapped” with a $50,000 signature bond. Judge Harcha recused himself from the case, leaving the Ohio Supreme Court to appoint a new judge.
His wife, Lioubov Horton, also pleaded not guilty and walked free on a $50,000 bond.
WILL DAVIS & COLEMAN STEP DOWN?
With the Democratic Party, furious taxpayers, and even fellow Republicans questioning their actions, Davis and Coleman are under serious pressure.
Will they resign?
