D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray is calling for the resignation of Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. just hours after charges were filed against him in federal court.
Council Chairman Kwame Brown told The Washington Examiner on Thursday he expects Thomas’ resignation to come soon.
Thomas, who was accused of stealing city funds meant for youth baseball programs, was charged Thursday with fraud and theft. Sources told The Examiner Thomas met with attorneys Thursday and he is expected to announce his resignation in conjunction with accepting a plea deal on Friday. The charges filed Thursday were in an “information” document, which typically precede a plea bargain.
Ward 4 Councilwoman Muriel Bowser also joined the call Thursday, issuing a statement asking Thomas to step down. Three other council members — David Catania, Mary Cheh and Tommy Wells — had previously called on Thomas to resign.
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Gray in his statement Thursday said “while everyone is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, those who violate the public’s trust must be held accountable for their actions.”
The charges come several months after Thomas was sued for misappropriating more than $300,000 in city funds meant for the District’s youth. The case was referred to federal prosecutors for a criminal probe.
| Thomas in 2011 |
| Jan. 2: Thomas re-sworn in as Ward 5 councilman. |
| June: D.C. attorney general files suit against Thomas for using city funds to buy an Audi SUV and golf trips, asks for $1 million. Thomas steps down as chairman of the economic development committee. |
| July: Thomas reaches a $300,000 settlement with D.C., case referred to federal prosecutors. Three council members call on Thomas to resign. |
| Dec: Thomas’ home raided by FBI, Internal Revenue Service agents. Reaches a $17,000 settlement on outstanding student loan debt from the early 1980s. Misses second, $50,000 payment back to D.C. |
FBI and IRS agents raided the councilman’s home last month.
According to the criminal information filed in U.S. District Court in the District on Thursday, Thomas began embezzling the money in April 2007. The money was used to buy a $68,000 SUV, a Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2008 Victory motorcycle. Thomas was ordered to forfeit the SUV and the motorcycle, which were seized last month in the raid.
Prosecutors also charged Thomas with filing a false tax return.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office had no comment.
The theft charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and the tax return charge has a maximum of three years.
A hearing has been scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Friday.
