DC Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., who is under investigation by the IRS and FBI, may step down as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors, according to reports. Thomas is slated to meet with the feds on Thursday, sources told the Washington Examiner.
Although nothing is signed, the potential of Thomas stepping down has critics cheering. The DC GOP fired off a statement at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning saying a resignation by Thomas was long over due. News of the deal was first reported by USA/Channel 9. Thomas did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Examiner.
Thomas has been under a federal probe since last summer under suspicion of funneling $300,000 in city funds to his nonprofit and then spending the money on lavish gifts for himself. Thomas reached a settlement with the DC Attorney general and paid back the money to the city but did not admit any wrongdoing. The case was then referred to the feds. Last month, FBI and IRS agents raided Thomas’ home, revealing the federal probe had extended into Thomas’ personal finances.
Three councilmembers have previously called for Thomas to resign.
