What started as whispers of shady dealings has exploded into one of the biggest political scandals in Scioto County history. From raids to indictments, here’s how the corruption saga has unfolded so far—and where it leaves the county today.
2023 – Red Flags Raised
Concerns are raised over potential conflicts of interest involving Commissioner Bryan Davis, Economic Development Director Robert Horton, and their wives’ shared business interests and are reported to authorities. SCDN tried to get answers and was threatened with legal action if we went public at that time.
📌 Summer 2024 – Horton Under Fire
The Ohio Auditor’s office investigates Horton, head of both the Scioto County Economic Development Office and the Southern Ohio Port Authority (SOPA). He is placed on administrative leave.
- Powell pushes to fire Horton immediately.
- Davis and the late Commissioner Cathy Coleman vote to reinstate Horton, citing concerns over economic fallout if SOPA lost its leader.
- Powell stands alone in opposition.
📌 February 14, 2025 – The Valentine’s Day Indictments
The Scioto County Grand Jury indicts Robert Horton and his wife Lioubov on sweeping corruption charges, including:
- Theft in Office
- Aggravated Theft
- Money Laundering
- Bribery
- Tampering with Records
Prosecutors allege the Hortons set up a fake business to siphon public money from SOPA and the Minford Emergency Ambulance Service, disguising kickbacks as “sales commissions.”
The indictment also names three unidentified co-conspirators—the mysterious “John and Jane Doe.”
📌 Spring 2025 – Horton Fired
After the indictments, commissioners officially vote to fire Horton. Powell stresses consistency: public trust demands that indicted officials step aside, even before conviction.
📌 July 2025 – Court Dates Delayed
Horton’s trial, originally scheduled for July 28, is postponed. Judges push the next status conference to September, leaving the case—and economic development leadership—in limbo.
📌 August 22, 2025 – Bryan and Lori Davis Indicted
The grand jury strikes again, this time indicting Commissioner Bryan Davis and his wife Lori.
Bryan Davis faces:
- Pattern of Corrupt Activity (running an organized scheme)
- Two Counts of Theft in Office (using his role to steal taxpayer money)
- Aggravated Theft (stealing over $150K)
- Money Laundering
Lori Davis faces:
- Pattern of Corrupt Activity
- Money Laundering
- Receiving Stolen Property (over $67,000 used for a loan and a Disney vacation)
- Tampering with Evidence
The indictments confirm what many suspected: Bryan and Lori Davis were the unnamed “John and Jane Doe” tied to the Hortons’ corruption scheme.
📌 August 2025 – Powell Calls for Davis to Resign
Powell demands Commissioner Davis step down immediately:
“Public trust is the foundation of leadership. If it was right to terminate Robert Horton under these circumstances, then the same principle must apply to Commissioner Davis.”
Powell warns that the scandal will burden county government and stall progress if Davis refuses to resign.
📌 Where Things Stand Now
- Scioto County still has no economic development director.
- SOPA meetings have been inconsistent, with at least one meeting failing to materialize despite being publicly scheduled.
- Millions in taxpayer dollars are tied up in court cases with no trial date set.
- Two Public Officials—Horton (fired) and Davis (still in office)—are facing felony indictments.
Powell and Commissioner Merit Smith continue to insist that major projects are happening behind the scenes, but with secrecy surrounding development deals and the county rocked by scandal, residents are left wondering who they can trust.
📢 The Scioto County Daily News was the first to follow the trail of corruption, from the Horton indictments to the revelation of “John and Jane Doe.” We’ll continue to track every twist and turn as this story unfolds.
