Sam Brinton, a former senior Department of Energy official who identifies as "nonbinary," is scheduled to appear in court in September to answer to baggage theft charges from an airport.

Brinton, who is frequently seen dressed as a woman, allegedly stole $2,325 in luggage from the baggage claim area at Minneapolis St. Paul Airport in mid-September. In late October, charges were filed, according to a report by Breitbart News.

The former Biden administration official faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Brinton is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, February 15, after a judge denied his lawyers' requests to allow him to attend remotely. Brinton, according to the lawyers, was having "employment issues."

The Judge's Response

“The current District Policy does not allow for remote appearances to be conducted for Felony 1st Appearances on the Property Drug Calendar with the only exception given to inmates in the custody of the Department of Corrections of the State of Minnesota,” Judge Gina Brandt said in response to the lawyers.

“Therefore, I must deny your request again.”

Brinton is accused of several crimes, including the theft of luggage in Minneapolis. Following initial reports of Brinton's Minnesota incident, officials at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, were able to piece together a $3,670 baggage theft on July 6.

Brinton is currently out on $15,000 bail and faces up to ten years in prison for this alleged theft.

Penalty for Luggage Theft

In the state of Maryland, the penalty for stealing luggage would depend on the value of the property stolen. If the value of the stolen luggage is less than $1,500, it is considered a misdemeanor theft and is punishable by a maximum of 18 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.

If the value of the stolen luggage is $1,500 or more, it is considered a felony theft and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000.

It's worth noting that the specific penalties for stealing luggage in Maryland may also be influenced by other factors, such as the circumstances of the theft, the defendant's criminal history, and other aggravating or mitigating factors. These factors can sometimes result in more severe or less severe penalties than those outlined above.

In any case, stealing luggage is a serious offense in Maryland, and individuals who are facing charges related to this crime should seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure that their legal rights are protected and that they have the best possible chance of avoiding a conviction or minimizing the penalties they may face.