Department of Energy fires gender fluid nuclear official amid luggage theft charges: reports

The Department of Energy has fired Sam Brinton, thought to be the nation's first openly gender fluid federal employee, amid multiple allegations of luggage theft.

"Sam Brinton is no longer a DOE employee," a department spokesperson told the Daily Beast on Monday. "By law, the Department of Energy cannot comment further on personnel matters."

Brinton drew national attention for allegedly stealing a Vera Bradley suitcase from an airport luggage claim which the owner claimed contained roughly $2,325 in the value of its contents.

Though Brinton originally denied stealing the bag, the now-former DOE official later called the airport to say it had been mistakenly taken and would be returned.

Last week, authorities charged Brinton with a second theft, this time involving luggage allegedly stolen from a Las Vegas airport.

Brinton served as the DOE's deputy assistant secretary of spent fuel and waste disposition prior to termination.