SAG Plans' Dow takes leave of absence

Bruce Dow, the longtime leader in the Screen Stars Guild Producers Pension and Health Plans, has already established a 60-day medical leave of absence. Dow confirmed the leave to Variety on Wednesday, watching he began the request a leave to handle what he known as a "chronic healthcare problem." The professional mentioned he needs revisit his publish. While Dow is absent, day-to-day methods will probably be assumed with the pension plans' chief operating officer Christopher Dowdell. The move by Dow comes 2 days after an analysis into accusations of misconduct and financial problems within the plans would be mostly groundless. In the letter to arrange participants dated 12 ,. 22, this program trustees -- SAG and industry reps -- mentioned that "an extensive and independent analysis" found no validity for the accusations by fired plan professional Craig E. Simmons. "Using the final results from the analysis, we could ensure the fiscal integrity in the SAG-PPHP remains appear along with your benefits feel relaxed,In . the letter mentioned. "In plain British, your monthly pension remains safe and secure your wellness plan's safe." Simmons filed a complaint with the federal government saying he was ended for becoming a whistleblower about alleged embezzlement within the fund. The board of trustees in the plans, operated individually from SAG, declined the accusations in September and maintained outdoors counsel to look at the issue. Simmons alleged in the complaint filed while using U.S. Labor Dept. he was fired in March by Dow due to Simmons' refusal to mislead board trustees and government scientists about embezzlement with the plans' former chief information officer, Nader Karimi. Simmons also alleged inside the complaint that Dow together with other professionals had misused funds web hosting benefit. "The independent investigator discovered that almost all Mr. Simmons' accusations are false, including his claims that Mr. Dow is antigay, he triggered the expects to improperly pay health expenses for his wife, he triggered plan employees to use on his home and perform personal chores for him, he promoted employees who've been unqualified that they instructed staff to mislead U.S. Dept. at the office auditors. These items of information presented with the independent investigator were examined by PricewaterhouseCoopers' forensic auditors." The trustees also addressed embezzlement of $2 million that was discovered three years ago and mentioned they were evaluating whether remedial actions are essential. The SAG health plan covers about 40,000 participants and contains assets more than $2 billion, because the retirement plan pays pensions to have an thought 9,000 devices. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com