6:05 p.m.
Scanning the indictments, Dowe is accused of obtaining money by false pretense beginning in September of 2006. The latest indictment is dated in December of 2007. Most of the charges have dates in the Fall of 2007.
No trial date has been set.
Dowe is basically accused of stealing about $3,000 in all, since "obtaining money by false pretense" is a form of a larceny charge.
He could get up to 20 years in prison for each felony count, although that is unlikely.
Special prosecutor, Buena Vista commonwealth's attorney Chris Russell, said he'll recommend Dowe be released from custody on his own recognisance once he agrees to turn himself in sometime this week.
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4:08 p.m.
Statement from Dowe's lawyers:
Even before the City released its audit, Alfred Dowe reimbursed the City for various expenses. Alfred Dowe has taken responsibility for his actions. Obviously Mr. Dowe is disappointed by today’s charges, which he is now evaluating, and he looks forward to moving this process forward.John E. Lichtenstein
John P. Fishwick, Jr.
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3:24 p.m.
By Scott Leamon, at the courthouse
WSLS Reporter
sleamon@wsls.com
The grand jury has just handed up its indictment of former Roanoke City Councilman Alfred Dowe.
Dowe will face 8 felony charges, and 3 misdemeanor charges in connection with obtaining money under false pretenses.
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10:02 a.m.
The special prosecutor in the Alfred Dowe case is in Roanoke today.
I caught up with Buena Vista Commonwealth's Attorney Chris Russell at the Roanoke City Courthouse this morning. Russell went into the grand jury room, but declined to comment about why he was there.
In February of 2008, Dow resigned from Roanoke City Council, after allegations surfaced that he double-billed the city and state for travel expenses. Russell took over the investigation this past July.
Last month, WSLS found that Dowe filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. That's the most serious kind.
Court filings show Dowe owes several creditors a total of more than $370,000. Part of that amount is nearly $3,500 in back child support.
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