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D.C. Council Member Harry Thomas Resigns As Chair Of Committee

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Council member Harry Thomas Jr. at a closed-door meeting with other D.C. Council members Tuesday.
Patrick Madden
Council member Harry Thomas Jr. at a closed-door meeting with other D.C. Council members Tuesday.

Thomas has been accused in a lawsuit of misusing $300,000 in city funds. He's also under federal investigation.

Council chairman Kwame Brown announced late Wednesday that Thomas has submitted a letter requesting to step down from his committee chairmanship, and Brown has accepted the request. Brown says economic development matters will be assigned temporarily to the Committee of the Whole until after the Council's recess.

Thomas, a Democrat representing Ward 5, is accused of using city funds intended for youth baseball on personal expenses including a luxury SUV, travel and rounds of golf. He has denied any wrongdoing.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Read the lawsuit filed against Thomas

Team Thomas Complaint for Relief 6-6-11
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