A tourism agency in Alabama has decided to retain its CEO after he was indicted on a federal fraud charge.
Visit Dothan, which aims to attract visitors to southeastern Alabama, will continue to have Aaron McCreight as its CEO, even after McCreight was indicted on fraud charges relating to an Iowa music festival.
In 2018, McCreight, the former CEO of Iowa-based Go Cedar Rapids, was involved in overseeing and funding Newbo Evolve, a new music festival to be held in the city. However, the festival ended up losing over $2 million after McCreight allegedly attempted to obtain a loan using fraudulent information. He, along with GoCR finance director Doug Hargrave, were each charged with one count of bank fraud.
Despite this mark on his name, Visit Dothan announced that McCreight will continue to serve as the tourism agency's CEO. The decision was announced by the agency's board of directors.
"The board of directors of Visit Dothan recently met and voted unanimously to retain Aaron McCreight as its president and CEO," wrote the board in a statement. "The board reached this decision after careful consideration of the present facts and circumstances surrounding the 2018 music festival event held during his tenure at Go Cedar Rapids in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Aaron has now admitted guilt, expressed remorse, and a federal judge will rule on a punishment for him in the near future."
A sentencing date for McCreight has yet to be determined. However, he could face up to 30 years in prison as part of a plea deal that both he and Hargrave signed. Meanwhile, Visit Dothan maintained faith in McCreight despite the indictment.
"The board of directors of Visit Dothan is very confident in the financial management practices that it currently has in place and in the confidence that it has placed in Aaron based on the job that he has done," the statement continued. "As the judicial system continues to run its course in Iowa, the Board will stay abreast of the situation and timely consider any new developments that may arise."
Newbo Evolve saw performances by the band Maroon 5 and singer Kelly Clarkson, among other high-profile guests. McCreight signed a $2.2 million promissory note from the bank, court documents allege.
The Iowa organization couldn't repay money when it was due, the charges allege. McCreight was fired from the Iowa job and was hired months later by Visit Dothan.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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