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Department of Energy ousts Sam Brinton after baggage theft scandal

The former official faces two counts of felony grand larceny after stealing a backpack at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and a suitcase at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.

Sam Brinton

Sam Brinton / Wikimedia Commons

Published by
Verónica Silveri Pazos

Former Department of Energy (DOE) official Sam Brinton, who was charged with two counts of felony grand larceny, no longer works for the DOE, a department spokesman told several media outlets:

Sam Brinton is no longer a DOE employee. By law, the Department of Energy cannot comment further on personnel matters.

The department confirmed Brinton's departure. However, it is not known whether the former official resigned from his position or was fired by his superiors.

Republicans demanded he resign

Brinton's departure comes a week after several Republican lawmakers demanded the former Biden Administration official resign, claiming that "it is not possible for a person to represent American values and at the same time violate the country's felony laws."

We demand Sam Brinton's resignation and implore him to set aside petty politics and appoint only the most qualified and dedicated people to influence the U.S. energy sector (...) As an appointee, Sam Brinton represents both his Department and the United States. It is simply not possible for a person to represent American values and at the same time violate the country's felony laws.

Accused of two robberies

Brinton, who served as DOE's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition faces two counts of felony grand larceny after stealing a backpack at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and a suitcase at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport in Minneapolis- St. Paul in Minnesota. The luggage and the items inside were worth more than $2,000 each.

In the case of the stolen luggage in Las Vegas, under Nevada state law, the former official could face between 1-10 years in prison. On the other hand, the theft in Minnesota could cost him a fine of up to $10,000 and five years in prison.

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