DOJ charges man for stealing, leaking Trump tax info.
Contractor Charged with Stealing and Leaking Trump’s Tax Returns
The U.S. Department of Justice made a stunning announcement on Friday, revealing criminal charges against a contractor from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) who allegedly stole former President Donald Trump’s tax returns and shared them with the media.
The accused, Charles Edward Littlejohn, worked as a contractor for the IRS between 2018 and 2020. Surprisingly, the company he worked for remains unidentified, raising questions about how a contractor had access to such sensitive taxpayer information that should have been protected by legal safeguards.
“While Defendant was working on an IRS contract, he stole tax returns and return information associated with Public Official A and thousands of the nation’s wealthiest people, including returns and return information dating back more than 15 years,” court documents reveal. “He thereafter disclosed the tax information associated with Public Official A to News Organization 1 and the other tax information to News Organization 2. Both news organizations published numerous articles describing the tax information they obtained from the Defendant.”
Although the court documents do not explicitly mention the identity of Public Official A, multiple publications have reported that it refers to Trump.
The two news organizations involved, The New York Times and ProPublica, have not been accused of any wrongdoing, as stated in various media reports.
If convicted, Littlejohn faces up to five years in prison for the charge of Disclosure of Tax Return and Return Information.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP
The charging documents also state that if Littlejohn is found guilty, all property he used in violating the internal revenue laws may be subject to forfeiture.
How did Charles Edward Littlejohn, a contractor for the IRS, gain access to and steal Trump’s tax returns?
Contractor Charged with Stealing and Leaking Trump’s Tax Returns
The U.S. Department of Justice made a stunning announcement on Friday, revealing criminal charges against a contractor from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) who allegedly stole former President Donald Trump’s tax returns and shared them with the media.
The accused, Charles Edward Littlejohn, worked as a contractor for the IRS between 2018 and 2020. Surprisingly, the company he worked for remains unidentified, raising questions about how a contractor had access to such sensitive taxpayer information that should have been protected by legal safeguards.
“While Defendant was working on an IRS contract, he stole tax returns and return information associated with Public Official A and thousands of the nation’s wealthiest people, including returns and return information dating back more than 15 years,” court documents reveal. “He thereafter disclosed the tax information associated with Public Official A to News Organization 1 and the other tax information to News Organization 2. Both news organizations published numerous articles describing the tax information they obtained from the Defendant.”
Although the court documents do not explicitly mention the identity of Public Official A, multiple publications have reported that it refers to Trump.
The two news organizations involved, The New York Times and ProPublica, have not been accused of any wrongdoing, as stated in various media reports.
If convicted, Littlejohn faces up to five years in prison for the charge of Disclosure of Tax Return and Return Information.
The charging documents also state that if Littlejohn is found guilty, all property he used in violating the internal revenue laws may be subject to forfeiture.
This incident highlights the potential magnitude of data breaches and the vulnerability of taxpayer information. The fact that a contractor had access to such sensitive material raises concerns about the adequacy of security measures in place within the IRS.
The IRS is entrusted with protecting the privacy and confidentiality of taxpayer information, and any breach of this responsibility is a serious matter. It is imperative for the IRS to conduct a thorough investigation to determine how Littlejohn was able to gain unauthorized access to Trump’s tax returns and what steps can be taken to prevent such breaches in the future.
Furthermore, this incident raises questions about the integrity of the contractor selection process. The anonymity surrounding the company Littlejohn worked for is troubling, as it prevents the public and relevant authorities from holding the company accountable for the security breach. There must be transparency and accountability in the selection and oversight of contractors handling sensitive taxpayer information.
It is also crucial for the IRS to reassess its internal security protocols and ensure that robust safeguards are in place to protect taxpayer data from unauthorized access or leaks. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for strong cybersecurity measures and continuous monitoring within government agencies.
The Department of Justice’s swift action in charging Littlejohn demonstrates the seriousness with which such breaches are taken. The prosecution of individuals who engage in the theft and dissemination of confidential information should serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar actions.
As this case unfolds, it is essential for the justice system to carry out a fair and thorough trial to ensure justice is served. Additionally, it is crucial for the IRS and other government agencies to learn from this incident and take proactive steps to strengthen data security and protect the privacy of citizens.
The theft and leaking of Trump’s tax returns is not only a violation of privacy but also undermines public trust in government institutions and the handling of sensitive information. Restoring that trust requires accountability, transparency, and a commitment to robust cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...