The U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed felony charges against Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. for theft and filing false tax returns.

Thomas, the feds say, “embezzled, stole, [and] obtained by fraud” $353,000 in public money. The feds also say Thomas filed false tax income returns from 2007 through 2009, underestimating his taxable income by $346,000. The charging documents appear are almost assuredly a prelude to Thomas pleading guilty as part of a plea deal.

The charges spring from an investigation by D.C. Attorney General Irv Nathan‘s office, which found Thomas had used money earmarked for youth sports charities on, among other items, an Audi SUV, trips to Hooters, and golf course fees. IRS and FBI agents raided Thomas’ house last month, seizing a Chevy Tahoe and a Victory Ness motorcycle. The criminal information the U.S. Attorney’s Office released today says they plan to keep those vehicles.

The charging documents are here:

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Check back for more as this story develops.

Photo by Darrow Montgomery