THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 13, 1995 TAG: 9504130389
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
The city has asked Attorney General James S. Gilmore III to authorize an investigation by the Virginia State Police into the possibility of criminal misconduct by Vice Mayor Arthur L. Dwyer.
In a letter sent to Gilmore and Chesapeake Commonwealth's Attorney David L. Williams, the city asked for an investigation to evaluate a woman's allegations that Dwyer improperly used his public office for private gain.
The allegations stem from a series of taped telephone conversations between Dwyer and Sandra R. Lewis, a Chesapeake woman who had asked the vice mayor for help in getting health and other retirement benefits for her husband.
Lewis, 30, a commercial scuba diver who lives in Great Bridge, said Dwyer pressured her to have sex in exchange for using his influence with the city.
Dwyer has denied pressuring Lewis, though he acknowledges developing a romantic interest in her. Both say they never had sex.
The controversy surrounding Lewis' allegations prompted Mayor William E. Ward to initially refer the matter to the FBI and to hold a special meeting of the council on Monday to look into the matter.
During that meeting, council members voted 8-1 to ask the state police and local authorities for an investigation. Councilman John Allen voted against it. ILLUSTRATION: A woman has accused Vice Mayor Arthur L. Dwyer of using public
office for private gain.
KEYWORDS: ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATION MISCONDUCT ARTHUR DWYER
CHESAPEAKE CITY COUNCIL by CNB