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Doug Dowie is the former Daily News managing editor who was convicted of mail fraud and other charges as head of the Fleishman-Hillard PR office in Los Angeles during the administration of then-mayor James Hahn. The charges involved overbilling the DWP for PR services. Dowie is due to surrender Friday to begin serving a 42-month term in federal prison, "bringing to a close one of the most controversial chapters in City Hall history," Rick Orlov says in tomorrow's Daily News.
An editor at the Los Angeles Daily News from 1985-1990, Dowie was seen as an insider to the administration of former Mayor James Hahn.The case grew out of the "pay-to-play" scandal where it was alleged contractors to the city were hit up for contributions in order to continue doing business with the city.
Fleishman-Hillard agreed to repay the city $6million on contracts to settle a case against it.
As a result of the case, changes were made to the city's contribution laws, prohibiting firms seeking business with the city from making contributions as well as prohibiting fundraising by city commissioners.
Dowie declined comment to Orlov, and has not updated his Facebook page since Jan. 16. Dowie recently has been a consultant to U.S. Veterans Initiative.
Also: John Stodder, also convicted in the case, was due to begin his 15-month sentence on Friday. But this week, U.S. District Judge Gary Feess signed off on an extension until April 5 due to the critical health of Stodder's mother.
Previously on LA Observed:
Dowie, Stodder lose appeals in Fleishman-Hillard case
Dowie and Stodder can stay home
Dowie in his own words
Photo of Dowie from his Facebook profile