Hartford, CT – Less than a year after facing theft charges tied to a local church, Hartford Councilman Alexander Thomas is again under scrutiny—this time for allegedly misusing a city credit card during a conference in Washington, D.C.
According to the city’s Internal Audit Department, Thomas used the town clerk’s purchase card in a way that violated Hartford’s travel policy while attending the 2025 Young Elected Officials (YEO) Convening at the Watergate Hotel from May 1 to May 4. While city officials confirmed no financial loss occurred—the improperly spent funds were deducted from his travel reimbursement—they cited the usage as inappropriate and for personal gain.
“Although all card purchases were covered by his travel reimbursement and did not result in a loss to the City, the Town Clerk’s purchase card was used inappropriately and violated the Travel Policy for personal gain,” wrote Acting Chief Auditor Donna Barbieri in a letter to City Council President Shirley Surgeon.
Surgeon confirmed she had approved Thomas’s attendance at the conference, and that the city had paid the registration fees in advance. However, Thomas reportedly exceeded spending limits and used the card in violation of city rules.
This is not the councilman’s first brush with controversy. He is currently facing criminal allegations for allegedly stealing from a church, though no arrest has been made in the credit card matter.
