Bryan Davis sentenced to 30 months in prison for Scioto County corruption

Former Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis has been sentenced to 30 months in prison following his guilty plea to felony counts of theft in office, receiving stolen property, and filing false tax returns. The sentencing follows an investigation into a kickback scheme involving the Southern Ohio Port Authority and a business park near the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport.

In addition to prison time, Davis was ordered to pay approximately $67,808.67 in restitution to Scioto County and $512.50 to the State Auditor’s Office. He must also forfeit his retirement account, repay the salary he received while suspended, and is permanently barred from holding public office.

While Davis’s defense requested probation citing his lack of a criminal record and community service, prosecutors had recommended prison as part of a plea agreement. Legal proceedings remain pending for Robert Horton, the former head of the Southern Ohio Port Authority and the Scioto County Economic Development Department, who is also facing criminal charges in connection with the investigation.