A former top official in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is facing accusations of stealing luggage from an airport for the second time in just over a month.
Sam Brinton, the DOE’s former deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition, recently appeared in court in Las Vegas on charges of grand larceny for allegedly stealing a piece of luggage from Harry Reid International Airport. DOE officials issued a statement the week of Brinton’s court appearance saying the 35-year-old civil servant no longer works for the agency.
Police say in the arrest warrant that Brinton “can clearly be seen and identified on video stealing” someone’s luggage from a carousel at the baggage claim at the Las Vegas airport before leaving with it. The suitcase’s owner estimates that the hard-case bag and contents were worth more than $3,600, including roughly $1,700 in jewelry and $500 in makeup.
Brinton, who uses they/them pronouns, was previously placed on administrative leave by the DOE following a criminal complaint accusing them of stealing a Vera Bradley suitcase at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Brinton told police they picked up the wrong bag because they were tired and then “got nervous” and “did not know what to do.” Brinton has not publicly commented on either case.
What Charges Can You Face for Stealing Luggage?
Individuals accused of stealing luggage at an airport in Las Vegas can face the following types of criminal charges:
- Petty larceny – Under Nevada law, petty larceny occurs when someone deliberately steals less than $1,200 worth of someone else’s property. Petty larceny is a misdemeanor crime in Nevada, punishable by up to six months in jail, restitution for the victim’s losses, and up to $1,000 in fines.
- Grand larceny – It is considered grand larceny in Nevada when someone deliberately steals someone else’s property worth $1,200 or more. The severity of a grand larceny charge can vary depending on the value of the stolen items. For instance:
- Stealing property worth $1,200 to $4,999 is a category D felony, punishable by one to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Stealing property worth $5,000 to $24,999 is a category C felony, punishable by one to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Stealing property worth $25,000 to $99,999 is a category B felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Stealing property worth $100,000 or more is a category B felony, punishable by one to 20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
- Stealing property worth $1,200 to $4,999 is a category D felony, punishable by one to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Contact Our Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyers If You’re Accused of a Felony Suitcase Theft
If you are facing accusations of suitcase theft in Las Vegas, you should get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. While the consequences of a conviction could impact your livelihood and well-being, an attorney can help you defend your rights and protect your future. Contact Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law today to discuss the specifics of your case in a free initial case review.
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