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A judge ruled against former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas’ request for an injunction that would allow him to remain in office through the end of September after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor corruption charges.
Late on Wednesday, July 31, hours after the judge’s ruling, Thomas was spotted clearing out of the mayor’s office while a city marshal stood by. A U-Haul truck was reportedly loaded with multiple items, which were delivered to the former mayor’s home.
The judge ruled that Thomas was officially vacated from his position when he pleaded guilty, citing a clause in the Mount Vernon City Charter. Thomas was initially to vacate his position on Sept. 30, a date which was pushed forward by the Council.
On Monday, July 8, Thomas pleaded guilty to misappropriating nearly $13,000 in campaign funds and then proceeded to lie about them on government papers. Two days after that plea, the City Council voted to oust him and replace him with then-City Council President Andre Wallace.
Thomas remained in the mayor’s office, despite the protestations of Wallace, members of the City Council and Comptroller Deborah Reynolds, who have been at odds for months. Thomas then took the matter to court, though the judge ultimately ruled against him.
According to reports, some of the members of Thomas’ administration have already turned over their keys and city property. It is unclear how soon Wallace will be up and running in the mayor’s office.
Wallace is now officially the mayor of Mount Vernon, though he is expected to lose his spot in November when he faces off against Democratic primary victor Shawyn Patterson-Howard in the general election. Mount Vernon voters generally lean toward Democrats.
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