Former Biden administration official Sam Brinton has avoided jail time after striking a plea deal for stealing a woman’s luggage at Reagan National Airport in 2018. Brinton, who has faced multiple larceny charges in several states, pleaded guilty to petit larceny in exchange for community service and mental health treatment.
Brinton’s plea deal includes 50 hours of community service, entry into an adult diversion program, and a letter of apology to the victim, Tanzanian fashion designer Asya Khamsin. This week, Brinton also settled a lawsuit from Khamsin for an unspecified amount and wrote another apology.
Although the plea deal has been finalized, Brinton’s case remains pending, and he must follow up with the court next year.
Jessika Thomas, a spokeswoman for Arlington County’s commonwealth’s attorney, stated, “The resolution we came to is supported by the facts and circumstances of the case as a whole.” She noted that the case remains pending, preventing further comment.
Initially charged with grand larceny, Brinton could have faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted under Virginia sentencing guidelines. An attorney for Khamsin indicated that she holds no ill will against Brinton and is ready to move on from the case.
“Asya Khamsin hopes that the example of reconciliation that she and Mr. Brinton have set will encourage tolerance and coexistence in America, especially at this time of unfortunate public tension,” the attorney said.
Brinton has also avoided prison sentences in Minnesota and Nevada. He was given a suspended jail sentence of 180 days in Nevada last year, which he was not required to serve.
Previously, Brinton worked for the Department of Energy as the deputy assistant secretary of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition in the Office of Nuclear Energy but departed from the agency in 2022.
