Sam Brinton, a former senior official at the Department of Energy (DOE) who identifies as non-binary, agreed in court on Monday to participate in a mental health evaluation as part of an adult diversion program. The agreement occurred during a virtual court hearing in Hennepin County, Minnesota, which pertained to a case concerning airport luggage theft. Brinton faces charges for allegedly stealing a traveler’s luggage, valued at $2,325, at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport in September last year.

Under the terms of the adult diversion program, Brinton is required to complete a mental health assessment, write an apology letter to the victim, return the stolen property, and undertake three days of community service. Court records indicate that Brinton is scheduled to attend a diversion appointment later in the month.

Opting for the diversion program suggests that Brinton may avoid jail time or even have their theft case dismissed entirely. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office acknowledges that there are instances where public safety is best served by diverting first-time offenders from the criminal justice system.

Adult diversion programs offer referrals to social services or mental health and chemical dependency resources, enabling first-time offenders to receive appropriate support. Participants are monitored closely to ensure compliance, with the overarching goals including accountability, service utilization, adherence to the law, community service completion, and restitution payment.

Successful diversions contribute to lower costs within the criminal justice system and a reduced likelihood of repeat offenses. Brinton had been charged with felony theft of movable property without consent, a crime that carries a potential five-year sentence, a $10,000 fine, or both under Minnesota state law.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office did not respond to requests for comment. This development comes a week after Brinton avoided jail time in a similar case in Nevada. A judge in Clark County, Nevada, ordered Brinton to pay $3,670.74 to the victim in that case, as well as $500 in additional fees, including a criminal fine.

In December, Las Vegas prosecutors charged Brinton with grand larceny of an item valued between $1,200 and $5,000, accusing them of stealing a suitcase worth $3,670 from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The Department of Energy placed Brinton on leave after the October charges and announced their departure from the agency in December but declined to comment on the reasons for their departure.

Sam Brinton, a former senior official at the Department of Energy (DOE) who identifies as non-binary, agreed in court on Monday to participate in a mental health evaluation as part of an adult diversion program. The agreement occurred during a virtual court hearing in Hennepin County, Minnesota, which pertained to a case concerning airport luggage theft. Brinton faces charges for allegedly stealing a traveler’s luggage, valued at $2,325, at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport in September last year.
Under the terms of the adult diversion program, Brinton is required to complete a mental health assessment, write an apology letter to the victim, return the stolen property, and undertake three days of community service. Court records indicate that Brinton is scheduled to attend a diversion appointment later in the month.
Opting for the diversion program suggests that Brinton may avoid jail time or even have their theft case dismissed entirely. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office acknowledges that there are instances where public safety is best served by diverting first-time offenders from the criminal justice system.
Adult diversion programs offer referrals to social services or mental health and chemical dependency resources, enabling first-time offenders to receive appropriate support. Participants are monitored closely to ensure compliance, with the overarching goals including accountability, service utilization, adherence to the law, community service completion, and restitution payment.
Successful diversions contribute to lower costs within the criminal justice system and a reduced likelihood of repeat offenses. Brinton had been charged with felony theft of movable property without consent, a crime that carries a potential five-year sentence, a $10,000 fine, or both under Minnesota state law.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office did not respond to requests for comment. This development comes a week after Brinton avoided jail time in a similar case in Nevada. A judge in Clark County, Nevada, ordered Brinton to pay $3,670.74 to the victim in that case, as well as $500 in additional fees, including a criminal fine.
In December, Las Vegas prosecutors charged Brinton with grand larceny of an item valued between $1,200 and $5,000, accusing them of stealing a suitcase worth $3,670 from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The Department of Energy placed Brinton on leave after the October charges and announced their departure from the agency in December but declined to comment on the reasons for their departure.

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