Top Energy Department official no longer employed after luggage theft accusations

The Department of Energy official responsible for nuclear fuel and radioactive waste is no longer employed by the federal agency after two alleged airport baggage theft incidents, according to local reports and court records.

Sam Brinton, the former deputy assistant secretary for spent fuel and waste disposition in the Office of Nuclear Energy, was charged in December for grand larceny in Nevada. Brinton was accused of stealing luggage from Harry Reid International Airport, according to a report from KLAS.

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

Brinton was previously charged with theft in Minnesota for allegedly taking another passenger’s hard-sided suitcase from the baggage carousel at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport after a flight in September.

When contacted by a Minnesota police officer, Brinton first denied taking the luggage but later called back and apologized for not being “completely honest,” according to the criminal complaint.

Brinton admitted to taking the bag, but stated they were tired and took the suitcase thinking it was theirs, according to the complaint.

Their initial appearance in the Minnesota case is scheduled for February 2023.

A White House spokesperson underscored to CNN that Brinton was not a White House appointee.