The prosecutor in the Harry Thomas corruption case wants to throw the book at the former Ward 5 councilmember.
As News4 first reported, U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen is urging that the federal court sentence Thomas next week to the maximum 46 months in prison for his scheme to steal more than $300,000 in city grant funds. That money was intended for youth activities.
Prosecutors also want Thomas to serve three more years on probation and pay back the money he stole.
"Thomas breached the public trust by stealing money from the very people he was elected to serve," Machen said in a pre-sentencing memorandum to the court. "Even worse, as Thomas secretly stole money earmarked for youth-enrichment programs, he publicly portrayed himself as a champion of underprivileged children."
"It is for these reasons, among others," Machen said, that Thomas should get 46 months in prison.
In the 20-page submission to the court, prosecutors laid out the years-long scheme by Thomas, who resigned from the Council in January and pleaded guilty to two felony counts.
The scheme involved getting tens of thousands of dollars in checks intended for youth programs.
"Thomas had no legitimate claim to the money; it was pure graft," prosecutors wrote.
