Former Visit Philly Official Faces Theft Charges
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A former 'Visit Philadelphia' executive who was allowed to resign quietly when she paid more than $200,000 restitution to the tourism marketing agency, now faces criminal charges related to her alleged scheme.
After a Grand Jury presentment, she turned herself in to authorities
The grand jury alleges the misappropriation by former Visit Philly Chief Financial Officer Joyce Levitt happened between 2005 and 2012. As CFO, she was responsible for monitoring the city's hotel tax, $11-million of which was Visit Philly's main source of funding.
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams alleges she embezzled $200,000 to fund personal expenses, including garments from a New York furrier, meals at high-end restaurants, items at BJ's and Costco, and a South Jersey skin care facility.
Williams says despite the restitution she paid and Visit Philly's agreement not to report her to law enforcement, that didn't cut it with the grand jury.
"Some may say, if she did that, doesn't that settle the matter? Well, no. just because you have forgiven them, that doesn't mean a crime didn't occur. These are taxpayer dollars. This money belongs to the public."
Levitt's attorney, Doug Rosenblum, says he thought the matter was closed, because the restitution to Visit Philly was contingent "on the settlement remaining confidential."
"And as far as we were concerned this was a civil matter that was resolved between two parties."
He says Visit Philly "was made whole."
"That company is now listed as the victim, they are not out any money, and the taxpayers are not out any money as a result of this private settlement."
The grand jury says lax oversight contributed to the alleged scheme, because there were plenty of warning signs for Visit Philly's CEO, Meryl Levitz. It says Levitz was aware that Levitt had "manipulated" credit card statements and that Levitt repeatedly failed to submit required documentation. Yet, it says Levitz "reviewed and approved" the confidential settlement.-
VP, formerly known as the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, is a non-profit organization that promotes leisure travel to the region.
