Embattled Davis blames aldermen for approving transactions
Regarding a 20-acre site where Roberts’ firm, RH Holdings, pocketed $45,000 for a single day’s work, Davis said he didn’t know how much his friend made from the transaction.
“I was not there when he closed on the deal,” Davis said. “I can’t emphasize enough that a mayor in a co-chartered city, by law, doesn’t enter into land deals or authorize payments on these deals.”
Davis also said that the Florida condo he owns with Roberts was a bad decision, but that it was a personal one. He said he and Roberts are trying to sell the property quickly.
“We are upside down on that property,” he said. “It was a bad investment made with my personal money. I did not disclose it to the board that I owned a condo with Mr. Roberts because it was a personal issue that had nothing to do with the city.”
An investigation by The Commercial Appeal found that Roberts has received more than $3.4 million through real estate deals with the city since 2008.
About credit card reimbursements that led to the repayment order from the state auditor, Davis said he could not discuss it because of the ongoing state and federal investigation.
“I just want the public to be patient and wait because all the facts will come out,” Davis said.
MBJ
2/14/12
Magnolia Tribune
