Dowe resigns from state board

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: February 25, 2008

The fallout from allegations about Roanoke City Councilman Alfred Dowe’s spending habits continues, as Dowe has now resigned from the Board of Directors for the Department of Criminal Justice Services, or DCJS.

As of Monday afternoon, Dowe’s name was still on the group’s website as a board member, but Governor Tim Kaine’s office confirmed that Dowe quit Monday afternoon. It’s alleged that Dowe double billed the city and the Commonwealth for travel related to DCJS business.
Dowe was serving this second term on the board having first been appointed by Governor Mark Warner and reappointed by Governor Kaine based on the recommendation of the Virginia Municipal League. Dowe served as that group’s representative on the board.

When asked about the situation, VML Director Mike Amyx told WSLS that “obviously something was wrong.“ He did not give any specifics on what qualified Dowe to serve on the board but said Dowe had been an active member of the board over six years.

We still don’t know if Dowe will be prosecuted for his actions and we likely won’t for at least a month. The city auditor has 45 days to complete his review of Dowe’s actions.

Who will ultimately decided whether he’s prosecuted?

“It’s going to be up to the leadership in the city whether they want to refer this for criminal prosecution,” said Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney Don Caldwell. “That decision would be made across the street, but if it comes over here I would make the decision about what if any charges would be appropriate.”

When asked if the city audit found criminal wrongdoing would the city be required to refer the case to Caldwell’s office, Caldwell said, “No, I don’t think there’s any requirement under the law because people make restitution and then decide not to go forward, they might give people a second chance.”

The bottom line: Caldwell says the city is just like a private company and it can decide whether it wants to press charges or not. Late Monday afternoon, Melinda Mayo, Roanoke City’s Director of Communications, told WSLS that no matter the findings of the audit, they will refer the case to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for his review.

City Council could also vote to go after Dowe with civil charges. And Caldwell says DCJS could also decide to request that Dowe be prosecuted since it’s alleged that Dowe double billed both the city and the Commonwealth.