Photo by Francis Chung.

This morning, D.C. Attorney General Irv Nathan announced that an investigation into Team Thomas, a nonprofit operated by Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr., had uncovered enough evidence for the city to file a civil enforcement action against the councilmember. The Office of the Attorney General will seek the return of charitable funds that were “misspent” on expenditures which were “largely for his personal use.” (UPDATE: Read the entire lawsuit here.)

Thomas, who is the chair of the Council’s economic development committee, is accused of abusing funds received from organizations with business in front of the city since 2008. Among the items the Attorney General accuses Thomas of purchasing are a $58,000 Audi SUV, which was titled in Thomas’ name, and travel to Las Vegas and Pebble Beach. Nathan also called the donations “just the tip of the iceberg,” and said he had referred the matter to federal prosecutors. The city’s lawsuit will ask for more than $1 million under the False Claims Act, which allows for triple the amount of damage recovery. There has not been any criminal charges brought against Thomas; however, the investigation is ongoing.

Thomas will reportedly comment on the matter after consulting with his attorney.

Obviously, we’ll have more on the lawsuit when additional information become available.