DC Tax Scandal Leader Gets 17 ½ Years

The ringleader of a scheme that drained nearly $50 million from the D.C. treasury has been sentenced to 17 1/2 years in prison.

Harriette Walters, a former D.C. tax office manager, pleaded guilty in September to wire fraud, money laundering and other charges and has been in jail since her arrest in 2007. The plea agreement called for Walters to serve from 15 to 18 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan handed down the sentence Tuesday. He ordered Walters to pay about $64 million in restitution, including the stolen funds and taxes owed.

Walters' attorney had argued that his client considered herself a "benefactor" because she gave money to others. Prosecutors say her theft hampered city services during lean years.