The non-profit organization that former D.C. Council member Harry Thomas used to funnel funds for his personal use, lies in limbo, with its administrators having to explain to a City Council committee why the fund should continue to exist.
Thomas resigned in January after pleading guilty to embezzlement charges that involved some $300,000 that had been earmarked for youth sports programs. He is awaiting sentencing in May.
While the Children and Youth Investment Trust Fund has been beneficial providing much- needed programs for D.C.'s youth, trust witnesses have testified that changes have been put in place to avoid repeat instances of embezzlement, according to a published report.
Millicent West, who served as the fund's CEO during the time Thomas stole from it, was replaced. However, in the wake of a federal investigation of the fund, West resigned as director of the District's Homeland Security and Emergency Management office, stating to Mayor Vincent Gray that she didn't want to be a distraction amid an ongoing corruption probe that surrounds the City Council.
