Man enters guilty pleas in Texas County fraud investigation

A man was sentenced Tuesday as part of a fraud investigation handled by local authorities.

Leon E. Davidian, 61, entered a guilty plea in Texas County Circuit Court to two counts of unlawful business practices. Circuit Judge John Beger sentenced him to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections on each count to be served consecutive, but suspended the sentence in lieu of five years of supervised probation. Davidian was already on probation. He appeared in court via video link.

Originally, 14 charges were on the book.

Davidian also must pay about $10,292 in restitution with monthly payments not less than $200. His $2,000 cash bond will be applied to the amount owed. He also must pay a supervised services probation firm $523.

Davidian, a former Licking resident, had originally been ordered to appear for a pre-trial conference in advance of a jury trial set for Aug. 27.

County authorities earlier said he advertised in 2022 to provide automotive services through Davidian Automotive Services LLC, according to complaints received by officials. Generally, a payment was requested through some online service, such as Venmo.

Davidian, who lists a St. Louis address, also is on the sex offender registry.

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