Washington City Council member charged with theft, filing false returns From Carol Cratty, CNN January 5, 2012 -- Updated 1848 GMT (0248 HKT) Harry Thomas allegedly stole D.C. funds He also allegedly filed false tax returns for three years Washington (CNN) -- A District of Columbia city council member was charged Thursday with theft related to programs receiving federal funds and with filing false tax returns, according to court documents. The documents allege Harry Thomas embezzled, stole and obtained by fraud property belonging to the District of Columbia. The thefts began at least as early as April 2007 and continued until at least February 2009, the documents say. Thomas is also charged with filing false tax returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009, saying his income was below what he actually received. The theft charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or a fine of twice the "pecuniary gain" or loss, a $100 special assessment, a three-year term of supervised release, an order of restitution, and an obligation to pay any applicable interest or fines. The sentence for filing a false return is a maximum of three years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or a fine of twice the pecuniary gain or loss, a $100 special assessment, a one-year term of supervised release, an order of restitution, an order to pay the costs of prosecution, and an obligation to pay any applicable interest or penalties. There was no immediate comment from Thomas or his attorney.