Indicted Scioto County commissioner absent from meeting, still on commission

SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio (WOWK) – A Scioto County commissioner facing felony charges was absent from a commission meeting Thursday.

Thursday morning marked the first Scioto County Commission meeting since an indictment was filed against Commissioner Bryan Davis and his wife last week.

Commissioners Merit Smith and Scottie Powell were both present and confirmed that, despite Davis’ absence, he is still an active member of the commission. Both Smith and Powell have, however, called for Davis to resign from his position.

The commissioners said Davis has cleaned out his office, but it is unclear when he plans to resign. Powell explained that because of the Ohio State Code, the other commissioners have no authority to force a resignation, but stand by their suggestion that Davis do so.

According to the indictment, filed on Aug. 22, 2025, Davis is facing 13 charges, including Corrupt Activity, Theft in Office, Money Laundering, Forgery and Aggravated Theft. His wife, Lorinda Sue, faces 10 charges, including Corrupt Activity, Money Laundering, Tampering with Evidence, Forgery and Receiving Stolen Property.

In a Facebook post, Powell said on Feb. 14, 2023, he learned that there was a potential conflict of interest between “Commissioner Davis, Economic Development Director Robert Horton and their wives’ shared business.” An investigation was subsequently opened into the matter.

Powell then said, on Feb. 14, 2025, the Scioto County Board of Commissioners learned there were felony indictments against Robert Horton and his wife.

According to Horton’s indictment, he is facing 15 charges that include Corrupt Activity, Theft in Office, Telecommunications Fraud, Falsification and Bribery. His wife Lioubov is facing 12 charges, including Corrupt Activity, Theft in Office, Bribery, Tampering with Evidence, Money Laundering and Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract.