Assignment

Harry L. Thomas Sr. vs. The US on the charges of fraud of governmental funds.

Council Member Harry L. Thomas, Jr. Thomas pled guilty in January 2012 to charges stemming from a scheme in which he used more than $350,000 in taxpayers' money that was earmarked for the arts, youth recreation, and summer programs for his own personal benefit, including paying for vehicles, clothing, and trips. He resigned in January 2012 as a condition of his plea agreement and recently completed serving a 38-month prison sentence.

Questions:

1. What type of fraud was committed?

2. How was the fraud committed?

3. Apply the fraud triangle to the case and discuss what the pressures, concealment and rationization for committing the fraud.

4. How could this fraud have been prevented? Include two ways and be sure to explain your answers. Also, cover the limitations of your suggestions.

5. How could this fraud have been detected? Include two ways and be sure to explain your answers. Also, cover the limitations of your suggestions.

6. Controls or actions that could have detected the fraud.