Delray Beach, Florida – A woman who stole personal items belonging to Ashley Biden, the daughter of President Joe Biden, including her diary, has been sentenced to a month in prison in a federal court in New York.
Aimee Harris, 41, also received three months of home confinement after pleading guilty to stealing and attempting to sell Biden’s belongings. The stolen diary, which documented Biden’s recovery from substance addiction, was sold to Project Veritas, a conservative organization known for sting operations targeting news outlets and politicians.
Harris, along with a co-defendant, attempted to sell the diary to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign before turning to Project Veritas. The court ordered Harris to forfeit the $20,000 she received for the stolen goods.
Judge Laura Taylor Swain condemned Harris’s actions as “despicable and very serious,” emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy and personal property.
The investigation into the theft led the FBI to search the homes of the Project Veritas founder, James O’Keefe, and two employees. However, O’Keefe and the organization were not charged in connection with the case, and O’Keefe later departed from Project Veritas.
Ben Wetmore, president of the Project Veritas board, stated that the organization cooperated with authorities and handed over the diary. Wetmore criticized the government’s actions, accusing investigators of infringing on their First Amendment rights.
Harris, who cited a history of domestic abuse and trauma, apologized in court for her actions and expressed regret for the harm caused to Biden and her family. Prosecutors highlighted that the theft was motivated by financial gain and political motives, emphasizing the violation of personal boundaries for political purposes. Harris acknowledged that her actions were wrong and illegal, regardless of any political agenda.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy and personal property, regardless of political affiliations or motives. Harris’s case illustrates the consequences of exploiting personal information for political gain and the legal repercussions of such actions.