The Post reported this afternoon that one more sentence has been handed down in the Office of Tax and Revenue embezzlement case. Walter R. Jones Jr., 34, the former Bank of America assistant branch manager who helped Harriette Walters deposit a total of 61 checks totaling almost $18 million, was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison today. Jones received approximately $360,000 from Walters for his participation in the scheme, a relatively small sum compared to his cohorts, who all together stole at least $50 million from District taxpayers. By all accounts Jones has been contrite and cooperative since his arrest and subsequent guilty plea, but he received a sentence roughly in the middle of the federal sentencing guidelines. U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams Jr. noted in his decision that were it not for Jones and his position at Bank of America, "the scheme would not have continued for so long." more ›

The ax keeps coming down on the Harriette Walters crew. The Post is reporting that Walter Jones, 33, a former Bank of America manager from Essex, Md., has pleaded guilty to his role in the Office of Tax and Revenue embezzlement case, which included laundering roughly $18 million, and personally receiving more than $366,000 in stolen money. more ›

Good morning, Washington. We hope you had a pleasant and restful evening despite the howling wind and bitter cold. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee had a bit of a rough night last night herself, as she was greeted by throngs of angry Ward 5 parents at the first community meeting that allowed her to present the school closures plan to the public. Ward 5 D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. had set up the separate meeting... more ›

-- If you haven't had enough fun playing around with the Los Angeles Times' wiki-enabled interactive editorial, take a look at John Daniszewski's dispactch from Tehran about charges of official manipulation in the recent elections ... and saying that "[n]ew doubts and divisions have come into view" regarding the Iraq war, Paul Richter tracks conservative North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones Jr. and his shifting stance on Iraq and how that's playing back home ...... more ›