Harry Thomas Jr., a former District of Columbia councilmember, is expected to receive his prison sentence of at least a year and a half, possibly more, for stealing more than $350,000 in government funds during his time on the council. Thomas is scheduled for sentencing on Thursday in federal court in the nation’s capital. Thomas’ lawyer is asking for an 18-month sentence, while prosecutors are asking for nearly four years. In January, the former councilman pleaded guilty to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars, mostly from money earmarked for youth baseball programs. Thomas was a longtime advocate for youth sports.
Thomas’ sentencing comes amid ongoing federal investigations into the use of political campaign funds for D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Council Chairman Kwame Brown. It will reportedly cost taxpayers more than $300,000 to fill Thomas’ Ward-5 Council seat, which has been vacant since his January resignation and guilty plea.
