Former Biden administration official Sam Brinton was chased by reporters following a hearing at a Minnesota courthouse on Feb. 15.
The nuclear specialist appeared before a judge for a preliminary hearing on one of two luggage theft charges on Wednesday.
Brinton wore a burgundy men’s tailored suit with a black button down shirt for the hearing. The menswear was a change from the frilly dresses and heels Brinton normally wore as a government official with Top Secret security clearance.
RELATED: Biden’s Energy Official Arrested and Charged with Stealing Woman’s Luggage
Brinton worked for the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy before he was let go for stealing a woman’s luggage from an airport in Minnesota in 2022. The luggage was worth $2,325.
Brinton could face up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine if found guilty.
One local reporter peppered Brinton with questions prior to the hearing.
“Mr. Brinton, do you still have a security clearance?”
“Are you going to plead guilty today?”
“Did you steal any luggage today?”
Non-binary former Biden admin official Sam Brinton arrives to appear in court today in Minneapolis for stealing a woman's luggage back at MSP back in October. pic.twitter.com/QfDJBJKu41
— Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) February 15, 2023
After the hearing, the same reporter pestered Brinton with more questions.
“Do you have any comments on the train disaster in Ohio? You’re an expert in these things,” he said.
Another reporter asked, “Why would you want some lady’s dirty clothes?”
Brinton dodged all of the questions and hopped into a waiting Uber with his attorney.
Non-binary former Biden admin official Sam Brinton leaving court after appearing before a judge for stealing a woman’s luggage last October.
“Why would you want some lady’s dirty clothes?” pic.twitter.com/RaU17heSHK
— Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) February 15, 2023
According to reports, Brinton’s lawyer pleaded with the judge to be allowed to appear remotely for the hearing, but Judge Gina Brandt declined the request.
The judge did allow Brinton to appear via Zoom for the next hearing, according to KARE 11 News.
It isn’t clear if Brinton is currently employed.
