A former Biden administration nuclear official continued to receive his salary after being charged for stealing luggage containing thousands of dollars in property.
At the time, Department of Energy (DOE) officials refused to answer if Sam Brinton continued to receive government pay after being placed on leave.
Now, public records reveal Brinton’s taxpayer-funded paychecks continued to come in — as part of his $178,000 salary.
The Washington Free Beacon notes:
An Oct. 28 letter from the Energy Department to Brinton obtained by Townhall showed Brinton received pay and benefits for more than a month before being dismissed in December, when the former official was hit with new charges over the theft of a bag at a Las Vegas airport.
Nevada prosecutors charged Brinton with grand larceny for stealing an item valued between $1,200 and $5,000. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department alleged that Brinton stole a suitcase with an estimated worth of $3,670.
Clark County Judge Ann Zimmerman gave Brinton a 180-day suspended sentence, provided he can “stay out of trouble.”
Before that, Minnesota authorities charged Brinton with felony theft after allegedly stealing a Vera Bradley suitcase valued at $2,325 from a baggage carousel at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport. Video surveillance showed Brinton leaving the airport terminal with the suitcase and checking in with it at a Saint Paul hotel. Security video at Washington Dulles International Airport showed Brinton with the same baggage upon his return home.
On Monday, Brinton agreed to a Minnesota court order to undergo a mental health evaluation and community service.
If Brinton completes the adult diversion program satisfactorily, he will likely avoid jail time and a $10,000 fine.
The Daily Wire adds:
FOX 9 reported that as part of the adult diversion program, Brinton is required to apologize to the victim, return any stolen property, and complete community service. The program could lead to the case against Brinton being dismissed altogether, the report said.
It now appears as though he could have the felony charge in Minnesota dropped, which comes after he pled “no contest” last week after being charged in December for allegedly stealing luggage at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
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