Sam Brinton, a nonbinary former Biden administration official, was arrested and accused of serial luggage theft over the past two weeks, but has since been released without bail.
According to court records, the 34-year-old was taken into custody by police on May 4 following a number of reports of luggage theft. Brinton had allegedly targeted travelers at Baltimore-Washington International Airport on at least four occasions since April 18, stealing items such as wallets, passports, and clothing from suitcases.
The suspect also faces multiple charges related to fraud, forgery and identity theft, including seven counts of forgery, seven counts of identity theft, nine counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and four counts of theft.
According to a police report, the suspect was able to access the luggage due to an apparent security lapse.
“The suspect had access to the luggage area, which was not an area that was monitored or supervised by airport personnel,” said Maryland Transportation Authority Police spokesperson Cpl. Mark Miller.
In court on May 10, prosecutors requested that Brinton be held in jail while awaiting trial, citing the numerous charges and the suspect’s prior criminal record, which includes a DUI and a disorderly conduct charge. However, the judge ultimately granted the defense’s motion to release the suspect without bail.
Brinton, who has been described as a “highly respected member of the Biden administration,” served as senior advisor in the Office of the White House Chief of Staff from January to March, and was previously a lobbyist for the Human Rights Campaign.
The defendant is scheduled to return to court on May 21 for a preliminary hearing.