Gray Concerned About Thomas Allegations, Family

D.C. mayor speaks for first time about federal investigation

D.C.’s mayor broke his silence Wednesday about the ongoing scandal involving Ward 5 Council member Harry Thomas Jr.

Mayor Vincent Gray expressed concern about the allegations and the impact on the city and Thomas's family, but he was careful not to get into details, saying he really doesn't know them.

FBI and treasury agents raided Thomas’s home Friday. He is under investigation for allegedly misspending $300,000 in city funds intended for youth sports and charity on his lavish lifestyle.

“Let the justice system move forward,” Gray said. “Let it finish up. Let us know exactly what is involved here and take what the appropriate action will be.”

Gray went beyond the legal niceties to talk about the impact of the federal probe if wrongdoing is found.

“Assuming that it's true, of course, it's a bad situation,” he said. “I can't get into the details of it because I really don't know the details about it.”

Gray spoke sympathetically about the impact on the Thomas family itself — a local family with a long history in city and community service.

“I've known him,” Gray said. “I've known his family for years. I know his mother. I knew his father. And he's somebody I've known. I know his wife. I know their kids. This has got to be a very difficult situation, you know, for them."

Follow NBC Washington to get the latest news, events and entertainment anytime, anywhere: on air, online, and on Facebook // Twitter.

Contact Us