D.C. attorney general: Harry Thomas Jr. diverted public funds
Another corrupt politician uncovered, this one in DC Council.
D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. arranged to have more than $300,000 in public funds diverted to groups he controlled, and used the money as a lavish personal account, purchasing an Audi SUV and taking trips to Las Vegas and Pebble Beach, the city’s attorney general said Monday.
In releasing a highly anticipated report, Attorney General Irvin B. Nathan alleges that Thomas’s inappropriate “conversion” of the money for personal use was “willful, intentional and knowing.” Nathan has filed a civil lawsuit aimed at forcing Thomas (D-Ward 5) to repay the money and intends to refer his findings to the U.S. attorney’s office.
The council member’s behavior “clearly violates the civil laws,” Nathan said at a news conference. “We are extremely disappointed in this violation of public service by Mr. Thomas.”