D.C. Charity President Charged in Connection With Council-Member Theft

The head of a Washington nonprofit group has been charged in connection with the embezzlement scandal that last week cost a city legislator his seat, says The Washington Post.

Marshall D. Banks, president of the Langston 21st Century Foundation, is accused of concealing and failing to report the diversion of more than $300,000 in city funds by former D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr., who resigned Jan. 5 and pleaded guilty to theft and tax charges the following day.

According to prosecutors, Mr. Thomas steered $392,000 in public funds to the Langston group, ostensibly for a youth baseball program. Prosecutors allege Mr. Banks passed most of the money to groups controlled by Mr. Thomas, who used it to pay for cars, travel, and other personal expenses.

The charges against Mr. Banks were listed in a “criminal information,” a legal document filed with the defendant’s consent that usually indicates an imminent plea deal. A hearing in the case was scheduled for Friday. Mr. Thomas is due to be sentenced in May.