Scandal Unveiled: Ex-Marketing Director Accused of Embezzling $870K from Visitors Bureau

Shocking Allegations Against Former Marketing Director

The former marketing director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau, Timothy Alan Dowhower, has been accused of stealing approximately $870,000 over a six-year period.

Details of the Case

Dowhower, aged 43 from Mifflinburg, was arraigned on charges of theft, criminal use of communication facility, and unauthorized use of a credit card. He was released on $870,000 unsecured bail.

Misuse of Funds

Investigations revealed that Dowhower funneled $868,619 to a company he created called Logical Destination for online marketing services. However, the bureau's executive director, Andrew Miller, confirmed that no work was performed by this company.

Additional Charges

Furthermore, Dowhower is charged with using the bureau’s credit card to make $2,860 in charges on a sexually explicit website subscription.

Investigation Findings

Key findings from the investigation include:

• Logical Destination shares the same address as Dowhower’s residence, with checks mailed to a UPS store box.
• His estranged wife and son verified the existence of Logical Destination and witnessed Dowhower cashing checks from the bureau.
• A forensic examiner found no campaigns or purchases linked to Logical Destination.
• The company’s bank account was established with a $35,000 deposit from the visitors bureau, and subsequent transactions showed various personal expenditures, including Amazon, restaurants, and gym memberships.
• From 2019 to this year, $603,874 was paid to an Apple Card account.

Organizational Response

The criminal investigation began after Dowhower's departure when an internal review revealed irregularities in vendor relationships. The board, represented by treasurer Amber Guerrero, stated that they acted quickly to ensure financial accountability and have now implemented stricter financial oversight and dual authorization policies. Despite the scandal, the bureau remains financially stable and fully operational.