LAS VEGAS -- A convicted pimp has a new profession: Working with abused and neglected kids. Even though his employer knew about his violent past, The Nevada Division of Parole and Probation confirms Mario Davis has spent the last two years working at the Nevada Children's Center.
His prosecution was the subject of a network news magazine and he is currently on probation. To NBC's Chris Hansen in 2009, Davis insisted he was not a pimp. It was a likely story that would soon change again before a Clark County District Court judge.
In exchange for a guilty plea to felony pandering with force, Davis was sentenced to five years probation.
Metro Vice Detective Chris Baughman made the case against Davis.
"When we talk about Mario, we're not talking about a nice guy," he said. "He may come off as charming, as kind of sweet and all of those things, but you know we're talking about a guy who not only beat one of the girls, but there was another victim where he threatened her with a group sexual assault if she wasn't compliant."
Binders of evidence, complete with photos of Davis' black and blue victims, still clutter Baughman's desk. But the website for the Nevada Children's Center lists Davis as a behavioral specialist who is "cool" approach and helps aggressive kids learn anger management. That was before the I-Team started asking questions about his employment.
According to the Parole and Probation, Davis has worked for the center since 2009, right up until last week, with the executive director's full knowledge of his criminal history.
Chuck Duarte is the administrator for the state agency that oversees Medicaid. The Nevada Children's Center received more than $1.5 million in Medicaid funding last year to provide treatment services for abused and neglected children and for those who suffer from severe emotional and behavioral disorders.
According to Medicaid rules, people like Davis, convicted of sexually-related crimes, may not work as Medicaid providers.
"We try to do what we can within our authority to make sure that the right types of providers are providing care to our recipients," said Duarte.
Duarte says when he learned of Davis' criminal history, he sent a letter terminating Davis' Medicaid participation. Duarte would not comment further on what actions, if any, he may take involving the Nevada Children's Center.
"I cannot imagine why anyone over there would think that he would be a good idea," said child advocate Donna Coleman. "What are the consequences of trying him out and giving him a chance? It's putting too much at risk."
"When we put individuals of this nature around at-risk kids, I've got a problem with it. I've got a major problem with it," said Baughman.
8 News NOW gave the Nevada Children's Center every opportunity to share its side of this story. After more than a week of negotiating, representatives from the Center declined to be interviewed. They said that they do not believe they have done anything wrong and that Mario has a gift with the kids.
They also sent a written statement saying they have a 20 year history of successfully treating children in the community and that no child has ever been placed in harm's way.
According to Davis and to his probation officer, the center fired him last week. He says all he did was what he was supposed to do -- get a job.
Mario Davis
