Former D.C. Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. pleaded guilty Friday to stealing from the government and to tax fraud.
His wife and mother watched intently in a packed federal courtroom as Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Haray summarized Thomas’ crimes that extended over a four-year period. Thomas stole $365,000 from federal grants meant for youth baseball programs in the District.
Thomas’ guilty plea came with a recommendation from prosecutors that he be sentenced to three to four years in prison.
Judge John Bates warned Thomas, however, that he could receive more time behind bars when he is sentenced on May 3 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Thomas, 51, stood during the majority of Friday’s one-hour hearing, his hands clasped in front of him. Wearing a dark gray suit, Thomas appeared somber and spoke only in short sentences. His longest came in response to the judge’s question: “How do you plead?”
“Guilty as charged, your honor,” Thomas responded.
The guilty plea, however, doesn’t end the investigation into others who might have been part of the embezzlement. U.S. attorneys later Friday said they are still looking at people around Thomas as well as the “public-private organization” that disbursed funds to Thomas’ nonprofit. It has been widely reported that organization is the Children and Youth Investment Trust, a city-operated corporation.
Thomas left hurriedly after the hearing, but appeared later in front of the courthouse to make a brief statement with his wife and attorneys at his side.
“I want to apologize to those I’ve let down including my constituents, neighbors, friends in Ward 5, the residents of this city, the mayor, my fellow council members and government officials who serve this city tirelessly,” he said.
He also apologized to the city youth he has worked with as part of his nonprofit, Team Thomas, that he used to funnel city funds to himself.
“Through athletics I have tried to teach you the importance of character and integrity — my conduct set a poor example,” he said.
Thomas also apologized to his family and acknowledged their “decades of commitment to Ward 5.”
He was released without having to post a bond and is not allowed to leave the Washington area. However, prosecutors and the judge agreed Thomas could request to accompany his teenage son on one or two college visits.
D.C. Councilman Vincent Orange was the only one of Thomas’ former peers who was spotted in the courtroom.
Afterward, U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen Jr. said he was pleased that Thomas took responsibility for “outrageous conduct that can only be described as a flagrant abuse of the public trust.”
“As a city and a community, we are now one step closer to putting this dark chapter in D.C. politics behind us,” Machen said.
Thomas used the money to buy vehicles, clothes, expensive meals and pay for entertainment for a political event the night of President Obama’s inauguration.
Thomas directed money meant for the city’s youth to be spent to pay for entertainment for the 51st State Inaugural Ball, organized by Thomas and others.
