Former Department of Energy (DOE) official Sam Brinton, who was charged with two felony counts of theft in different states, was released without bail by a Minnesota court after a preliminary hearing.
Brinton faces a grand larceny charge for stealing a woman's luggage (worth $2,325) at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Sept. 16. The former official could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
The hearing was initially scheduled for December 19, but the date was postponed at the request of Brinton's lawyers. The judge also denied a request for a virtual appearance. Freelance photojournalist Rebecca Brannon filmed Brinton leaving the courthouse with his lawyers.
Non-binary former Biden admin official Sam Brinton leaving court after appearing before a judge for stealing a woman’s luggage last October.
“Why would you want some lady’s dirty clothes?” pic.twitter.com/RaU17heSHK
— Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) February 15, 2023
Two counts of theft and let go from DOE
In July, Brinton was also charged with stealing another woman's luggage worth more than $3,500 at Harry Reid (Nevada) International Airport. In this case, the former official faced up to 10 years in prison. However, in December he was released on $15,000 bail.
The former non-binary official left DOE shortly after news of the thefts surfaced. The reason for his departure was never made public because it was required by "law." A department spokesman said:
Sam Brinton is no longer a DOE employee. By law, the Department of Energy cannot comment further on personnel matters.