Business

Leather Chaps & ‘Exotic Shoes’: Disgraced DC Councilman Found Guilty of Stealing Over $300K For Personal Shopping Sprees

Former D.C. Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. was sentenced to more than three years in prison Thursday for stealing $353,500 from a public fund intended for youth sports, the Washington Examiner reports.

“Thomas, who represented Ward 5 for five years until he resigned in January as part of his guilty plea, was allowed to leave court with his family and has agreed to surrender at a federal prison to serve his 38-month term when ordered,” the report adds.

Leather Chaps & Exotic Shoes: Disgraced DC Councilman Found Guilty of Stealing Over $300K For Personal Shopping SpreesHarry Thomas Jr.

“This is my weakest moment in my life,” Thomas, 51, told U.S. District Court Judge John Bates.

“I concluded I took that money because there was a sense of entitlement,” he added. “What happened, clearly, was I took office and lost touch with the values I cling to now more than ever.”

DC Mayor Vincent Gray issued a statement saying he was satisfied with the ruling and that the city should move forward. However, one lawmaker thinks the fight against corruption is far from over.

“This is nothing new — it is a reminder,” said at-large Councilman Phil Mendelson. “To me, it’s more about reminding us that there are ethical issues in the government and our people do steal.”

And in case you were wondering what a corrupt city official would buy with over $300K, the Washington City Paper has you covered.

“As part of the exhibits filed by the U.S. Attorney‘s Office in today’s sentencing…we learn a little bit more about where the disgraced former Ward 5 councilmember spent more than $350,000 of public money he stole,” Washington City Paper reports.

“For instance, when Thomas bought a $22,499 Victory motorcycle, he also spent more than $700 bucks on motorcycle apparel from a store in White Plains, Md,” the report adds.

Included in his “motorcycle apparel” purchases were:

  • A leather shirt: $149.99
  • Chaps: $89.99 (…chaps were, indeed, made of leather)
  • Novelty “Eagle” hat: $39.95
  • “Boss” leather jacket: $359.99

Thomas also spent $910 at perfume store and $2,127.18 at Circuit City.

But perhaps the most perplexing thing about the case against Thomas is the fact that he dropped $1,374 on three pairs of “exotic shoes.”

“What the hell are exotic shoes!?” Washington City Paper asks.

Although there aren’t any specific details as to the type of shoes he purchased, given the fact that he’s apparently into leather chaps and shirts, we’ll assume the shoes were also made of leather.

“Thomas also received a 36-month prison sentence for lying on his tax returns, but Thomas will serve that term while he’s incarcerated for the theft,” the Examiner reports. “He will be under supervised release after his prison term.”

Here are Thomas’ receipts (via Scribd):

Here is the Govt Sentencing Memo:

Front page photo source: Washington Examiner

Comments (177)

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  • LoneRanger
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:35pm

    The do hide the fact he is a Democrat. http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS451US451&q=D.C.+Councilman+Harry+Thomas+Jr.#hl=en&gs_nf=1&gs_mss=D.C.%20Councilman%20Harry%20Thomas%20Jr.%20d&pq=d.c.%20councilman%20harry%20thomas%20jr.%20dmocrat&cp=35&gs_id=18&xhr=t&q=D.C.%20Councilman%20Harry%20Thomas%20Jr.%20democrat&pf=p&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS451US451&sclient=psy-ab&oq=D.C.+Councilman+Harry+Thomas+Jr.+democrat&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=&pbx=1&fp=1&biw=1641&bih=829&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&cad=b

    Report Post » LoneRanger  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:52pm

      @LoneRanger
      Hiding the fact he was a Democrat?

      “I concluded I took that money because there was a sense of entitlement,” he added. “What happened, clearly, was I took office and lost touch with the values I cling to now more than ever.”

      Now “that” is the definition of a Democrat. I‘m surprised he didn’t spill the beans on other Democrats for a shorter sentence…. or did he?

      The key word is “ENTITLEMENT”…

      “From pin striped suits to pin striped prison jumpers” should be the title of this article.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:55pm

      meet Obama’s boyfriends..http://fellowshipofminds.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/mom-of-murdered-obama-gay-lover-speaks-up/….visit this link….he hates it when i do this..

      Report Post »  
    • spikebu
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:48am

      @ Monk…I couldn’t get past the “I concluded”. Why put a pretty wrapper on thief? You stole. Therefore, I conclude you are a thief.

      Report Post »  
    • Shiroi Raion
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 3:36am

      Isn’t it obvious that there is more corruption in the government and its bureaucracies than in the business world? It seems about half of the government is corrupt and that when businesses are caught, they are often big businesses caught making corrupt deals with… the government. So, make government bigger and spend more to make it better? The bigger it gets, the more corruption we can expect.
      Which countries are the most corrupt? Big governments! The Tea Party has been on the right track the whole time. Liberals are… asking for more of the same (more government, more spending, more regulations, higher taxes) and expecting different results. The definition of insanity.

      Report Post » Shiroi Raion  
    • rangerp
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 8:44am

      If Obama had a councilman, he would look like Harry Thomas.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • Sirfoldallot
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:31am

      This is how Rome fell, it’s leader were nut jobs. Hint , hint !!!!!

      Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 1:00pm

      @spikebu
      The “I concluded” was part of the article and not me saying that I (The-Monk) had concluded. I was committing on that part of the article.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:32pm

    Now, you know there is a hitch to that. Tell us about it before we bother.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:29pm

    He forgot to get Al Sharpton yammering and hollering for him.

    Report Post » blackyb  
    • MEANS2RESIST
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 12:08am

      Leather chaps, like the ones worn by the villiage people? Like the ones with the holes on the backside? lol.

      BTW he spends 60K on an Audi & notice how those dealers tack on extra line item after line item tallying up all those extra charges, slimeballs!

      Report Post » MEANS2RESIST  
    • MEANS2RESIST
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 12:24am

      MCDAVE, looks like the obaama truth team had that link shut down, it could not be found. :-( I’ve seen it before. The mother of the gay chior guy that had an affair with Barry spilled the beans about her suspicions that an obama hit team did him in to keep it quiet.

      Report Post » MEANS2RESIST  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 7:36am

      He has assured himself reelection when he gets out of prison. The citizens of Washington DC expect outragous conduct from their elected officials. Look at Marion Barry. He not only got convicted of drug use he had improvments made to his property using city materials and labor. School board members get outragous salaries and cars driven by on duty police officers so that they have a body guard. These are all entitlements for a city supervised by congress. They, after all, are only emulating the members of the political body which supervises their city government.

      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:28pm

    Those men in prison will like those leather chaps.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:27pm

    And by the time he gets out of prison he’ll have an Islamic name….

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 7:35am

      Yeah like Uliq Madik.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • SpeckledPup
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 8:51am

      meyvn, we almost fell out of our boots laughing so hard, that one was perfect!

      Report Post »  
  • Roros
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:23pm

    Ok America up next Mr. Obama

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:29pm

      Plus the administration and all members of Congress who have done the same; and anyone associated with cronism across the board. Clean house and root out every portion of it to the deepest roots.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • marine249
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:34pm

      and you use that word [MR.] very,very,very lightly

      Report Post »  
    • fishandpoi
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 12:15pm

      Short and to the point…. May I just add? Jan 2013… Aloha Obama…Mahalo for nothing!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Soquel by the Creek
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:20pm

    He should contact California Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi’s attorney. She claimed that a brain tumor caused her to steal $2,500 in clothing from Neiman Marcus, including a leather skirt. Can you guess her political party?

    “Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi’s shoplifting incident raises medical questions”
    http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/10/4175432/assemblywoman-mary-hayashis-shoplifting.html

    Report Post » Soquel by the Creek  
    • Whirling Dervish
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:28pm

      Well, if you are going to steal, steal big, see what happened to Jon Corzine that stole segregated customer funds??…. NOTHING!!!

      Report Post » Whirling Dervish  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 4:15am

      WHIRLING DERVISH, Had Thomas been a bundler for 0bama he would have gotten off Scott free too.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Realman30
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 8:58pm

      Did the condtion cause her to ‘pick up’ purses, blouses and skirts at Walmart? Or, did it only kick in at hign end stores?

      Report Post » Realman30  
  • Caballosinnombre
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:19pm

    “.. lost touch with the values I cling to now more than ever.” What values were you clinging to before?

    .

    Report Post »  
    • woodyb
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:31pm

      His sense of entitlement — he sad it himself:
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      ““I concluded I took that money because there was a sense of entitlement,”

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:23am

      I question the man in a $5000.00 suit more than the man dressed in a work shirt.

      Report Post »  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:19pm

    “There are ethical issues in our GOVERNMENT and (OUR PEOPLE ) do steal.”

    Duh, And who is “Our People”? DC is much like where I live. New England (CT). Few R’s and fewer Conservatives. The DEMOCRATS here are like fleas that infest every nook and cranny. Our legislature just OK’ed any worker at a day care can join a union, probably SEIU. DEMOCRAT GOV Dan Malloy will rubber stamp this and small mom and pop run day cares will be infested with union thugette’s. Can’t wait to flee this state.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Lt_Scrounge
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 8:11pm

      The correct response to the unionization law is for the mom and pop day care operations to simply let everyone go and return to running it with only family members. Or immediately raise the prices to their customers 50% in order to offset the additional costs related to dealing with union thugs. When the parents complain, simply explain that union workers cost that much more so the parents should thank the Democrats for their support.

      Report Post »  
  • DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:18pm

    Obamama will be singing a sng to show he is the people’s….

    Report Post » DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT  
  • Magyar
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:17pm

    Remember folks, the fish stinks from the head down…. with OWEbama setting the tone at the top, it’s no wonder this piece of **** feels entitled to steal OUR money!

    Report Post »  
  • marine249
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:17pm

    black——-taxpayers money = ENTITLEMENTS

    Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:26am

      Foodstamps, Assistance and Government handouts must be a gateway.

      Report Post »  
    • sueacworth
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:28am

      You are absolutely right. Look at all the blacks in government whether it be DC or Atlanta. Most are Black Democrats who all think they are entitled. Charlie Rangle, the former mayor of Atlanta the country is rampant with these people.

      Report Post » sueacworth  
    • Kisses6350
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 9:50am

      Politicians come in all colors and political affiliations! Some Politicians have said they think they are entitled to Money, wether legally or illegally. Sort of like it comes with the territory. Sad in this day and time, but true. ******Smirks******

      Report Post »  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:16pm

    As the story did not have “Republican” prominently displayed as a description for this elected POS, one can only come to the conclusion that he is your typical Democrat.

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 8:20am

      Yes, and it‘s such a shame he’s going to prison. He sounds well qualified for a Congressional seat.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Razlord
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:14pm

    hang his az$ , will not happen again.

    Report Post »  
  • NancyBee
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:07pm

    And this money was for …the children…..How low can you go??

    Report Post » NancyBee  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:07pm

    I am not attempting to defend this man, he is obviously a piece of crap. But what the hell is up with that government memorandum. He was convicted of stealing money… and then additionally with failing to report his stolen money to the IRS for tax purposes. So the government’s position is now that all criminals must declare illegal income to the IRS? That seems a bit like charging a car jacker with failure to wear a seat belt.

    Report Post » Constructionist  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:06pm

    SO He was either a “Biker Enthusiast” or an Honorary Grand Martial at the Gay Pride Parade scheduled the weekend of June 8 and June 10, 2012. Or maybe that is his OWS costume? I see a Czar job in his future.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • Stewie
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:04pm

    Until we start executing these corruptocrats, their behavior will only worsen and further infect their compatriots and comrades.

    Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:27pm

      Alittle harsh would’nt you say? You might have to resign a govn. post with suggestions like that..when in Rome, do as the Romans did….”high-five” . Is that the original origin of the term “high-five”. Oooow,bad joke.

      Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:35pm

      I fogot to say thank you Blaze for this story. We must read & hear about corruption in the system. American’s work hard every day to earn money & for an official to lack the compassion for the working people of this nation is a slap in the face to honest-hard-working Americans. Shame on officials who misuse the office. Whether $1.00 or 5 T, stealing is stealing.

      Report Post »  
  • OhSnappage
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:03pm

    People elected another damn pimp to look out for their interests what did they expect? Not to steal from a children’s fund? c’mon, seriously?

    They all seem to apologize after they get caught, like they have some creditability to salvage or something.

    Report Post » OhSnappage  
  • godhatesacoward
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:02pm

    One of many. The fed gov’t is corrupt, pathetic and so out of touch with reality. I call for a blank slate come Nov. .

    Report Post » godhatesacoward  
  • dinadp
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:01pm

    The article neglected to mention if he’s a Democrat or a Republican. I’m guessing Democrat.

    Report Post » dinadp  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:17pm

      If he were a Republican it would be in the first line of the Washington Examiner article .. and in the headline.

      Report Post »  
    • scuba13
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 12:03am

      They also didn‘t mention that he is Encinom’s brother in-law.

      Report Post » scuba13  
  • disenlightened
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:54pm

    …84 bottles of Chivas Regal, 147 copies of Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough” CD…23 trips to an Asian massage parlor…

    Report Post » disenlightened  
  • right-wing-waco
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:47pm

    He should have gotten 100 years for stealing from the public.

    Report Post »  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:02pm

      Would that include BO, Polosi and Reid ??????

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:27am

      …and All his holdings inclucing his house and car sould have been sold-at-auction to payback the money including court costs, lawyer fees, and any fines encurred.

      Report Post »  
    • right-wing-waco
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 12:45pm

      @ MIBUGNU2
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:02pm

      Would that include BO, Polosi and Reid ??????

      YES, and any others stealing from us. That also includes those that have violated their oath of office to protect the Constitution.

      Report Post »  
  • 65Mustang
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:47pm

    Why is it that after a corrupt politician, or any man for that matter, is caught they are ashamed for the embarrassment they have caused their family….didn’t the family exist when they were screwing around?????

    Report Post »  
    • blackyb
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:31pm

      No, just when they got caught. He is black whey are they convicting him?

      Report Post » blackyb  
  • MIBUGNU2
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:44pm

    Hell with BO at the helm, this dude figured he‘d be stylin’..
    no problem !!!!! say sometin‘ bout ma’ shoes youd’ be
    racist…..

    Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • db321
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:08pm

      I second what MI BUG said! He figured his Messiah would protect him!

      Here is the question – does the Liberal News Report it or are they afraid it may be racist to report it!

      Report Post » db321  
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