The end of the political road has come for D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr.

On Friday, the former politician pleaded guilty to two federal crimes, admitting that he embezzled more than $350,000 in government funds and that he filed false tax returns.

Thomas became the first sitting council member to be charged with a felony and now faces a sentence of between 36 to 47 months in federal prison.

In an e-mailed statement Thursday night, Thomas said that his resignation was effective immediately and that he would plead guilty Friday morning to the crimes.

The 51-year-old Democrat had been accused of spending the money on a luxury SUV, travel and rounds of golf, and failing to report $356,000 in income between 2007 and 2009.

“As a councilmember and throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to serving the residents and the youth of Washington, D.C. In the pursuit of this work, I made some poor decisions and acted in ways I simply should not have. I was wrong,” Thomas’ statement reads.

He is free pending sentencing, scheduled for May 3.

BET Politics - Your source for the latest news, photos and videos illuminating key issues and personalities in African-American political life, plus commentary from some of our liveliest voices.

(Photo: RODNEY LAMKEY JR. The Washington Times /Landov)