An Office of Campaign Finance investigation into then-D.C. Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. had the potential to blow open the scheme in which he stole more than $350,000 from the city, some city watchdogs now say, but instead it took two more years and a federal investigation to unearth the plot.

A report cleared the Ward 5 legislator in 2009 of any illicit dealings with a local developer based on Thomas’ word that no such quid pro quo existed. It said the councilman “absolutely, unequivocally” denied that a nonprofit business council he established received a payment from developer EYA.

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