# Ohio Prosecutor Sentences Commissioner for Contract Kickback

A former Scioto County commissioner, Bryan Davis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison in 2026 for his involvement in a kickback scheme related to a public contract at the Southern Ohio Aeronautical Regional (SOAR) Business Park. This case was investigated by the Ohio Auditor of State's Special Investigations Unit, underscoring the state's commitment to enforcing accountability and transparency in public procurement processes. The contract in question involved the Southern Ohio Port Authority and an out-of-state company, highlighting risks in regional economic development projects.

- Procurement professionals should note the increased scrutiny and enforcement actions by state auditors targeting fraud and corruption in public contracting.
- Agencies and contractors involved in state and local infrastructure projects in Ohio, especially those linked to economic development authorities, may face heightened compliance expectations.
- This case signals the importance of robust internal controls and ethical standards to mitigate risks of fraud in government procurement.
- Organizations can leverage the Ohio Auditor of State's fraud hotline (866-372-8364) to report suspected procurement irregularities, supporting transparency efforts.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ohio Auditor of State
- Southern Ohio Port Authority
- Scioto County Common Pleas Court
- Scioto County Economic Development Department

### Key Quotes
> If you lie, cheat and steal, the Auditor of State’s Office is going to find you, we’re going to use the tools at our disposal to prosecute you, and we’re going to see that you’re held accountable.
> — Keith Faber, Auditor of State

### Sources
- [Press Releases](https://ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/7940) - OHIO