Auditor releases details of investigation into former Muskingum County Engineer Davis

By Christine Holmes and Jessica Johnston

The Auditor of State’s office has released the results of an investigation into former Muskingum County Engineer Doug Davis and his bonding company, Western Surety Company. 

As a result, the office has issued a finding for recovery in the amount of $18,517. 

According to a media release, Davis, who died on April 18, 2018, was using county money to make improvements on his own, personal property between Jan. 1, 2012 and April 30, 2018. 

The Auditor’s Special Investigations Unit found that Davis was using county personnel, equipment and materials for his own benefit. 

A total of $4,281 was spent over the course of 229 employee hours, and an additional $8,552 in 214 equipment hours were spent making personal improvements. 

The auditor’s office also noted an additional $1,173 of public money was used for other purchases. 

In additional to home improvements, another $4,458 was used to purchase items that did not appear to benefit the county. 

Those items included a new motor for a piece of rental equipment, a bumper for his personal vehicle and fencing materials. A $52 meal was charged on Davis’ county credit card that was not work-related. 

The investigation also revealed a purchase made by engineer employee Rick Alexander in the amount $459 on his county credit card. 

Alexander purchased fencing staples with that money for Davis, who was building a fence on his property in October 2017. 

As a result, an additional finding for recovery has been issued against Alexander in that amount. A report outlining the investigation states that Davis and Western Surety Company will be jointly liable for the $459.

All of the funds, collectively totaling $18,976, would go back into the Muskingum County Engineer Fund.

To view the full report on the audit, click here.