A District Council committee is recommending funding in the 2013 budget for a “Blue Ribbon Task Force” that would oversee the operations of a city-run nonprofit connected to former Councilman Harry Thomas Jr.’s embezzlement.
The task force, which was approved by the Human Services Committee on Wednesday, would “review the current governance structure of the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation and its relationship with the District government and make recommendations for reform and restructuring to the Council.” The group would consist of “philanthropic community, business and community-based organization stakeholders.”
The Safe Children and Families Enrichment Services Task Force would be made up of 10 people with five council appointees and five mayoral appointees.
The task force was borne from a committee report that found Thomas had help within the trust in stealing more than $350,000 in city grant money. Thomas, who is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Thursday, pleaded guilty in January to the embezzlement.
Prosecutors are recommending Thomas serve 46 months in prison; his attorneys are asking for 18 months.
