Son of former Mpls. nonprofit head guilty in fraud conspiracy

A federal jury has found Jordan Davis guilty of six counts of aiding and abetting mail fraud and conspiracy to misuse taxpayer funds.

Prosecutors said Davis, a Minneapolis police officer, received a manager's salary to work at an ice cream store run by Community Action Minneapolis, but did no work. They said he conspired with his father Bill Davis, the Community Action CEO, to commit mail fraud and steal more than $140,000 in taxpayer money.

Earlier this month, Bill Davis pleaded guilty in federal court to 16 charges involving misuse of taxpayer money and conspiracy to commit fraud tied to public funds administered by Community Action.

In changing his plea to guilty, the elder Davis said then it was his idea to keep paying Jordan. Under questioning, he said there "may have been a conversation" between the two about the arrangement but they didn't talk much about it.

Bill Davis said he intervened at least once with Community Action fiscal staff to make sure the checks continued to Jordan.

The Jordan Davis jury deliberated about two hours before returning a verdict Tuesday against him. Davis' family and lawyer declined to comment outside the courthouse.