Former Congressional Aide Accused of Stealing Taxpayer-Funded Cellphones
A former information technology (IT) aide who once worked for the U.S. House of Representatives is facing serious charges after allegedly stealing hundreds of cellphones paid for by taxpayers. Christopher Southerland, 43, of Maryland, has been accused by federal prosecutors of abusing his position of trust to steal around 240 government-issued cellphones, worth over $150,000.
According to the Department of Justice, Southerland worked as a system administrator for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from April 2020 to July 2023. His job gave him the authority to order mobile devices for committee staff, granting him access to the internal system used to obtain these phones.
Prosecutors allege that between January and May 2023, Southerland ordered roughly 240 new cellphones and had them delivered directly to his home. This occurred despite the fact that the committee only had about 80 staff members at the time, raising immediate suspicion.
Authorities believe Southerland then sold over 200 of these phones to a local pawn shop, effectively turning government property into personal profit. This action represents a betrayal of the public trust and a misuse of taxpayer money.
To further conceal his actions, Southerland reportedly instructed a pawn shop employee to sell the phones “in parts.” This tactic was allegedly intended to bypass the House’s mobile device management software, which allows officials to monitor and secure government-issued phones remotely.
The alleged scheme began to unravel when one of the stolen phones was sold intact, rather than being dismantled. The phone was then listed on eBay and purchased by an unsuspecting buyer. When the buyer turned on the phone, a contact number for the House of Representatives Technology Service Desk appeared on the screen.
The buyer contacted the number, leading House officials to investigate. They soon discovered that numerous phones ordered under Southerland’s account were missing.
This case highlights the importance of accountability and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. It also underscores the need for stricter oversight and internal controls to prevent such abuses from happening in the future. Public servants are entrusted with managing government resources, and any violation of that trust should be met with serious consequences.
The U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI are currently investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Green for the District of Columbia is prosecuting the case, with assistance from other federal prosecutors.
This incident serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority must uphold the highest ethical standards. The misuse of government resources not only harms taxpayers but also erodes public confidence in government institutions. It is crucial that those who violate this trust are held accountable for their actions.
