Davis stays silent about investigation

By Brian Meyer

NEWS STAFF REPORTER

Updated: November 10, 2009, 3:53 PM /

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A Common Council member remained mum today about a criminal probe into allegations that he may have engaged in questionable financial dealings.

Ellicott representative Brian C. Davis walked briskly away from about 10 reporters and photographers following today's Council meeting, refusing to answer questions.

Last week, state police and an investigator from the Erie County District Attorney's Office showed up in City Hall in hopes of talking with the embattled lawmaker. But Davis didn't show up for two committee meetings that he is assigned to attend.

Reporters asked him today about investigators' futile attempts to find him during their recent visit. But as Davis left Council Chambers and headed directly to his office, he repeatedly said "I have no comment" and "I don't know what you're talking about."

At one point, a reporter asked him about speculation that he might have agreed to a plea deal. He initially muttered "No I have not," but then immediately changed it to "I have no comment."

A Buffalo News investigation in April disclosed that Davis had been embroiled in numerous financial problems. He had been the target of 10 liens and lawsuits. His campaign accounts had been frozen, his wages garnisheed and his driver's license suspended.

He was also the target of controversy involving an ill-fated restaurant that received city and county subsidies. Davis shifted block grant funds earmarked for his district to assist One Sunset, a restaurant that was in the Delaware District. Later, a building owner who leased space to One Sunset said Davis wrote him a $3,500 check to cover some rent at the restaurant, but the check bounced.

Davis has told The Buffalo News his attorney has advised him not to make any statements. Last week, Davis denied that he intentionally dodged investigators, claiming he only missed the Nov. 4 committee meetings because they ended quickly, before he arrived.

bmeyer@buffnews.com

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