In a shocking turn of events, it has been revealed that Sam Brinton, a non-binary former senior Department of Energy (DOE) official, was involved in a high-profile baggage theft while on a taxpayer-funded business trip. Internal documents obtained by the watchdog group Functional Government Initiative (FGI) and shared with Fox News Digital shed light on this troubling incident.
According to the documents, Brinton traveled to the DOE-operated Nevada National Security Site near Las Vegas in early July 2022. It was on the same day, July 6, that Brinton allegedly stole a suitcase from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The stolen bag contained valuable items such as jewelry, clothing, and makeup, with an estimated worth of $3,670.
The fact that tax dollars were used to transport Brinton to and from the scene of the crime is outrageous. It puts the American public unwittingly at the wheel of the getaway car, so to speak. This incident raises serious concerns about the vetting process for senior-level positions within the federal government. How could a senior official commit a petty crime while on the clock? It’s a clear indication that something is dysfunctional in the personnel procedures.
Brinton, who made headlines last year for their appointment as the deputy assistant secretary of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition at the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, identifies as a non-binary gender-fluid person. This appointment in itself had drawn attention and raised questions about the qualifications and suitability of individuals for crucial positions.
The trip to the Nevada National Security Site was supposedly for an unspecified meeting and site visit. The site is known for supporting important national defense programs and research. Brinton stayed at a Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Las Vegas Strip for four days, with the total cost of the trip amounting to $1,951.50, as reported in a DOE expense report.
Despite the charges brought against Brinton, they managed to avoid jail time by pleading no contest and waiving the right to a trial. However, Brinton was ordered to pay restitution to the victim and additional fees, and they received a suspended jail sentence. It is deeply concerning that someone with a track record of baggage theft managed to escape significant consequences.
This case raises serious questions about the security clearance process within the DOE. How did someone with a history of criminal behavior manage to hold a security clearance? Sen. John Barrasso has rightly called for an internal investigation into the agency’s security clearance process. When it comes to critical positions with important national security responsibilities, the American people must have confidence in the integrity and trustworthiness of those individuals.
It is crucial that the DOE takes immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that the vetting process for senior-level positions is robust and thorough. The American public deserves transparency and accountability when it comes to national security matters. We must prioritize the protection of our nation and the proper functioning of our government agencies.
Stay tuned as this story develops. Fox News Digital will continue to provide updates on this troubling incident and the actions taken by the Department of Energy in response.
Source Fox News
