Former Congressional IT Aide Charged with Stealing and Selling 240 Government Phones
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Federal prosecutors have charged Christopher Southerland, a former IT aide for the U.S. House of Representatives, with stealing approximately 240 government-issued cellphones valued at over $150,000 and selling most of them at a local pawn shop. The indictment, unsealed in U.S. District Court on Monday, alleges that Southerland abused his authorized access as a system administrator for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to divert the devices to his Maryland residence.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Southerland, 43, worked in his role from April 2020 through July 2023. During this time, he was empowered to order mobile devices for committee staff. Prosecutors say he exploited this authority by shipping the phones directly to his home in Glen Burnie, Md., rather than distributing them to government employees.
The stolen phones, funded by taxpayers, were then sold at a local pawn shop, according to evidence presented by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office. The scheme reportedly involved hundreds of devices, highlighting a significant breach of trust and misuse of government resources.
This case underscores the challenges federal agencies face in safeguarding government property and sensitive equipment. The Government Accountability Office has repeatedly emphasized the importance of stringent controls and oversight over government-issued technology to prevent fraud and theft.
Law enforcement officials conducted a thorough investigation following irregularities detected in the inventory of mobile devices assigned to the House Committee. The Federal Bureau of Investigation played a central role in tracking the stolen phones and gathering evidence that led to Southerland’s arrest.
Southerland’s arrest serves as a reminder of the critical need for accountability within government operations. The USAspending.gov database reflects substantial federal investment in technology for congressional use, making the protection of such assets a priority for taxpayers and officials alike.
The former aide faces federal charges that carry serious penalties if convicted. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional suspects are involved or if further thefts are under investigation. Southerland’s case is expected to proceed through the federal court system in the coming months.
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