Update: DC Ex-Councilman Sentenced to 38 Months for Stealing from Nonprofits

D.C. Ex-Councilman, Harry Thomas Jr. got a smackdown in district court last Thursday in the sentencing hearing, after pleading guilty in January to embezzlement of over $350,000  and filing false tax returns. The funds were originally intended for use by the D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust. Thomas is now looking at 38 months in federal prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Haray called it, “the most egregious actions of public corruption ever proved against a member of the D.C. Council.” Let’s remember that this is a council that includes Marion Barry.

Prosecutors pointed to the luxury vehicles and expensive wardrobe, some of which were directly traceable to the embezzled funds, when asking for a four year sentence. The Defense pushed for 18 months. Both sides are in agreement that Thomas will have to pay restitution of $353,500 and forfeit the Victory motorcycle and Chevy Tahoe. In consideration is an additional $92,500 related to funds diverted from a city drug program used instead for the 2009 presidential inaugural ball.

Source: The Washington Post

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