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A former Bethesda resident and treasurer for the National Republican Congressional Committee admitted to stealing more than $800,000 from the committee and other political groups and PACs.

Christopher J. Ward, 41, pleaded guilty Friday to interstate transportation of stolen property in connection with his efforts to defraud the committee and other clients of his accounting business.

Ward, 41, admitted to stealing $672,587 from the Republican committee and additional money from other clients by issuing unauthorized checks and wire transfers to collect funds, according to the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

Ward, who worked in the committee's accounting department, became treasurer in 2003. He also operated his own accounting business for political committees and candidates.

In attempting to conceal the theft, Ward filed false documents with the Federal Election Commission, according to a U.S. Attorney's office news release.

Ward's attorney Howard Shapiro, who is based in Washington, D.C., could not be reached for comment.

Ward faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but agreed to a plea of 37 months in prison and full restitution to his victims for what he stole.

His sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 2.

sbreitenbach@gazette.net