D.C. Council Member Reportedly to Plead on Nonprofit Fraud Allegations
January 5, 2012 | Read Time: 1 minute
Washington, D.C., Council member Harry Thomas Jr. is near a deal with federal prosecutors to plead guilty to fraud and tax charges related to a nonprofit organization he controlled, sources familiar with the plea talks tell The Washington Post.
The deal, which could result in formal charges being filed Thursday, would reportedly involve a prison term and an agreement by Mr. Thomas to vacate his council seat.
Mr. Thomas has been under investigation for allegedly steering $300,000 in city funds to youth sports programs through a now-defunct charity and using the money for personal expenses. He agreed last summer to reimburse the city as part of a civil settlement, but earlier this week he missed a deadline for the first, $50,000 installment payment.
