Harry Thomas Sr. spoke in a raspy voice that came from the deepest part of his throat, as if his larynx were coated in gravel. He sounded as if he had just smoked three packs of Camels, no filter, especially when he laughed, and he laughed all the time. Harry must not be laughing now, as his son, Harry Jr., faces federal charges of embezzling $365,000 in city funds and failing to pay taxes for three years. The words “rolling over in his grave” come to mind, but if he were still here, Harry Sr. would be wondering what happened to his son. What caused him to steal money from a city trust fund for children and use it to buy fancy rides and fat-cat golfing trips?

I’m not arrogant enough to say I saw it coming, but from an early age, the son had the look of someone on the make.