Two Men Accused of Diverting Millions From Cincinnati High School for Personal Luxuries
Two men, Jonathan Larry Ballew of Phoenix, AZ, and Leondo Ramone Davenport of Cincinnati, OH, are accused of diverting millions of dollars from Dohn Community High School in Cincinnati. Prosecutors allege they used funds intended for students to pay for…
Portland, OR, September 6, 2026 —
Federal prosecutors have accused two men, Jonathan Larry Ballew of Phoenix, Arizona, and Leondo Ramone Davenport of Cincinnati, Ohio, of allegedly diverting millions of dollars from Dohn Community High School. The alleged scheme involved using funds that were intended for the benefit of students, according to court documents.
The allegations state that the diverted funds were used to finance personal luxuries. These reportedly include the purchase of luxury vehicles and the rental of a high-end home in Miami, Florida, at a cost of $30,000 per month. The exact total amount of funds allegedly diverted was not specified beyond “millions of dollars” in the initial filings.
Both Ballew and Davenport are facing significant federal charges. The accusations include wire fraud and money laundering. These charges suggest a pattern of alleged illicit financial activity designed to conceal the origin and destination of the funds, as well as the fraudulent intent behind their acquisition and use.
The investigation is ongoing, and the specific details regarding the timeline of the alleged diversion and the exact amounts of money involved are still part of the prosecution’s case. No further information regarding court dates or potential plea agreements has been released.
The nature of the charges implies that interstate wire communications were used in the execution of the alleged fraudulent scheme, a key element for federal wire fraud jurisdiction. Money laundering charges typically stem from the attempt to disguise or legitimize funds obtained through illegal activities.
Details about the contractor’s name or the specific roles Ballew and Davenport held in relation to Dohn Community High School were not provided in the initial reports. The case is being handled by the relevant prosecuting authorities, who are working to build a case based on the evidence gathered.
This situation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat financial crimes, particularly those that allegedly impact educational institutions and student welfare.
Story summarized from the original created by Haley Williams, Jordan Gartner on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
