Howland doc pleads to trafficking for sex

By Ed Runyan

WARREN — Dr. Mark E. Davis, a 47-year-old Howland osteopathic doctor with an office on state Route 193 in Vienna, has pleaded guilty to two counts of drug trafficking.

Gina Arnaut, an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, said the two charges stem from two videotaped incidents in Dr. Davis’ office — one in August 2006 and one in January 2007 — in which Dr. Davis wrote a prescription for Schedule 3 drugs to a confidential informant in exchange for sexual favors.

The incidents with the confidential informant occurred after complaints were received by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, which conducted an investigation, Arnaut said.

Dr. Davis, of Brittany Oaks Trail, appeared in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to a bill of information, meaning he waived his right to have a grand jury decide whether he should face criminal charges.

Dr. Davis was handcuffed at the end of the hearing and taken to Trumbull County Jail, where he was photographed and fingerprinted before being released on $2,500 bond.

Judge Andrew Logan will sentence Dr. Davis in four to six weeks, after the Trumbull County Adult Probation Department conducts a presentence investigation.

He could get up to 12 months in prison on each count.

Dr. Davis has a medical practice in the Vienna Medical Arts Clinic, 341 Youngstown-Kingsville Road, according to the state medical board.

He has been licensed as a doctor of osteopathic medicine since August 1988 with a specialization in family medicine. He graduated in 1987 from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the medical board Web site says.

No action has been taken against Dr. Davis at this time by the Ohio Medical Board, said Joan Wehrle, executive staff coordinator for the medical board. Felony convictions are grounds for disciplinary action by the board, she said.

Dr. Davis has credentials to practice medicine at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, but not any other Humility of Mary Health Partners facility, said Tina Creighton, spokeswoman for HMHP.

The Ohio Medical Board Web site says Dr. Davis is affiliated with Mahoning Valley Emergency Specialists, which employs emergency room doctors at HMHP.