Sam Brinton, a former Biden administration official, won’t be serving any jail time after admitting to stealing a woman’s luggage from Reagan International Airport in Virginia in 2018. Brinton, who has faced multiple charges of felony larceny in various states, struck a plea deal that includes community service and mental health treatment.
Brinton pleaded guilty to petit larceny, which led to a lighter sentence involving 50 hours of community service, participation in an adult diversion program, and writing a letter of apology to the victim, Asya Khamsin. Khamsin, a Tanzanian fashion designer, also received a separate apology as part of a lawsuit settlement.
Despite the plea deal being finalized in court, the case remains pending, requiring Brinton to follow up with the court next year. Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney spokeswoman Jessika Thomas emphasized that the resolution is supported by the facts of the case, but declined further comment due to the ongoing nature of the case.
Initially charged with grand larceny, Brinton faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
However, the reduced charge and subsequent plea deal have spared Brinton from imprisonment. Brinton’s attorney indicated that Khamsin harbors no ill-will and hopes their reconciliation will promote tolerance and coexistence amid public tensions.
Brinton, who previously served as the deputy assistant secretary of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition at the Department of Energy, left the agency in 2022. He has also avoided prison sentences for similar charges in Minnesota and Nevada, though he received a suspended 180-day jail sentence in Nevada last year.
