Former D.C. Council Member Harry Thomas Jr. has been sentenced in federal court to 38 months in prison for stealing government funds.

Thomas pleaded guilty earlier this year to embezzling more than $350,000 in public funds and filing false tax returns. While characterizing himself as an advocate for the youth of the District, he secretly used funds earmarked for youth programs on lavish trips and a luxury SUV.

Pressed by reporters in Wednesday’s bi-weekly press conference to comment on the sentencing, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray reluctantly weighed in on the actions of his former colleague on the council.

“I don’t understand why this happened,” said Gray. “I haven’t asked, I haven’t seen him. I don’t know why this happened. It was a shocker to me.”

Lawyers for Thomas made the case that the former councilmember should receive a lighter sentence. In a follow-up letter to the judge this week, defense attorneys for Thomas criticized the prosecutors recommendation filing, calling it an unjust caricature of Thomas.

Prosecutors had called for Thomas to receive nearly four years in prison; lawyers for Thomas wanted a year and a half. The maximum sentence for Thomas’ crime is 51 months.

There is no parole in federal prison, so Thomas will serve the full sentence.

Former D.C. Council Member Harry Thomas Jr. has been sentenced in federal court to 38 months in prison for stealing government funds.

Thomas pleaded guilty earlier this year to embezzling more than $350,000 in public funds and filing false tax returns. While characterizing himself as an advocate for the youth of the District, he secretly used funds earmarked for youth programs on lavish trips and a luxury SUV.

Pressed by reporters in Wednesday’s bi-weekly press conference to comment on the sentencing, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray reluctantly weighed in on the actions of his former colleague on the council.

“I don’t understand why this happened,” said Gray. “I haven’t asked, I haven’t seen him. I don’t know why this happened. It was a shocker to me.”

Lawyers for Thomas made the case that the former councilmember should receive a lighter sentence. In a follow-up letter to the judge this week, defense attorneys for Thomas criticized the prosecutors recommendation filing, calling it an unjust caricature of Thomas.

Prosecutors had called for Thomas to receive nearly four years in prison; lawyers for Thomas wanted a year and a half. The maximum sentence for Thomas’ crime is 51 months.

There is no parole in federal prison, so Thomas will serve the full sentence.