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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Tim Newman has long been a part of the professional development of Charlotte, from helping land the DNC to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. But now, the developments in his personal life are making news. The 47-year-old was arrested Tuesday just after 10PM and charged with drunk driving and hit and run. The incident happened on I-77 near LaSalle Street in north Charlotte. Newman is accused of rear-ending a young woman. She called 911 and said, "I just need to report an accident. I'm on I-77, a guy just rear ended me. We're in bumper to bumper traffic and somebody told me that he fell asleep behind the wheel. And he kept saying it was fine and I think he was drunk." Newman was the CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority but in 2011, a six-figure employee bonus scandal ultimately cost him his title. He was demoted in December and finally left the organization in February. But, the CRVA, a public agency funded in part through different taxes, continues to pay Newman. Since February, he's received more than $77,000, including nearly $1,400 for a car allowance. It most recently cut him a $9,461.54 check on May 11th. "I think the agreement that the CRVA made are independent from whatever happened last night. Hopefully that's an isolated episode for him," says Charlotte city councilman Michael Barnes. Barnes was outspoken about his lack of confidence in Newman's ability to lead after the bonus scandal. Council impacts the CRVA's budget, but not Newman's payment agreement. "The 10 million plus that we have control over is for marketing purposes and the money that they (CRVA) pay in severance and other things come from a part of their budget that is not under the council's control," says Barnes. We emailed every member of the CRVA board for their comment on Newman's arrest and his payment schedule. No one replied. We also left a message for Newman on his cell phone, but haven't heard back. |
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