After months of little visible movement, Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis and his wife, Lori, are scheduled to return to court Monday morning as their public corruption case continues toward trial.
The couple is due in Scioto County Common Pleas Court at 10 a.m. for another pre-trial hearing before specially appointed Judge D. Dean Evans.
While the case continues to move through the court system, much of what has happened behind the scenes remains unclear from the public court record.
The Davises appeared in court on June 10 for a pre-trial hearing, but the docket does not indicate what was discussed or what decisions, if any, were made. Likewise, the court record provides no details about the purpose or outcome of another pre-trial hearing held on July 20.
Unless the schedule changes, the Davises are expected to return for one final pre-trial hearing on September 16 before a five-day jury trial begins on October 5.
Bryan Davis remains on paid administrative leave from his position as Scioto County Commissioner while the criminal case is pending. Interim Commissioner Will Mault currently serves in the seat Davis vacated following his indictment.
The case stems from allegations involving public contracts, economic development projects, and the Southern Ohio Port Authority. Davis has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Horton Case Also Moving Slowly
The related corruption case against former Scioto County Economic Development Director and Southern Ohio Port Authority President Robert Horton and his wife, Lioubov, continues to move at a slower pace.
The Hortons’ next court appearance is a status conference scheduled for July 28.
Unlike the Davis case, no trial date has been set for the Hortons.
All defendants in both cases have waived their right to a speedy trial, allowing the cases to proceed without the normal statutory deadlines.
SCDN will continue to follow both cases and report on any developments from Monday’s hearing.
