Members of the D.C. City Council are considering asking their embattled peer, Harry Thomas Jr., to give up his duties representing Ward 5 while federal authorities continue investigating allegations that he used public money for personal gain.
During a Dec. 5 closed-door meeting called by Chairman Kwame Brown, the Council discussed getting Thomas to take a paid leave of absence, according to reports. Whether Thomas would cooperate remains to be seen.
Thomas' house in an upscale section of Northeast was raided by FBI agents on Dec. 2. No one was arrested but sources have said in reports that following such raids, an arrest could follow.
Meanwhile, the Council is scheduled to vote today (Dec. 6) on an ethics bill that among other reforms, would make it mandatory for a mayor or council member to step down if convicted of a felony.