As reported by various sources, Thomas E. Davisson, a former deputy with the Stark County Sheriff's Office, has been convicted of theft and ousted from his position. The 43-year-old admitted to stealing approximately $15,000 from the Stark County Deputies Association and received a sentence that reflects the weight of his transgressions. After pleading guilty to a downgraded charge of misdemeanor theft, Davisson was dealt a 180-day jail sentence — but with 170 days suspended on the requirement of good behavior over two years. He was taken into custody yesterday, as noted by CantonRep.
The details of the misconduct span between January 1, 2022, and February 29, with Davisson serving as the union's treasurer at that time and having filed Internal Revenue Service Form 990 for tax year 2023 in that capacity, per Cleveland19. The betrayal was uncovered following an audit, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was brought in to untangle the allegations. Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier placed Davisson on paid administrative leave on July 31, after the indictment, which arrived one week prior. Having the shadow of this oversight looming, it is hard to imagine the workings of trust within these institutional walls.
According to CantonRep, the union's president has confirmed restitution of the full stolen amount, which Davisson has already repaid. During this judicial reckoning, Davisson remained silent, whereas his lawyer, Rick Pitinii, represented him, stating, "Tom did step up to the plate and accept responsibility in this matter. We know that that doesn't change what happened. He's accepting the consequences of his actions. He looks forward to moving on."
In the wake of the conviction, Davisson was required to surrender his commission as a peace officer. He was dismissed from the sheriff's office, as the financial betrayal, albeit repaid, cannot mend the intrinsic break in obligation and duty it represents. Addressing the connections between Davisson and campaign contributions, Sheriff Maier clarified that none of the stolen union money was donated to his campaign, as reported by CantonRep. Despite calls for returning the contributions made by Davisson when he was a deputy in good standing, Maier has retained them, believing they were made in good faith at the time.
