• Christopher Southerland worked as system administrator for House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
• Federal indictment alleges he sold more than 200 stolen phones to nearby pawn shop
• Scheme discovered after eBay buyer activated phone showing House tech support number

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — Federal prosecutors unsealed charges Monday against a former House of Representatives technology employee who allegedly exploited his position to steal nearly a quarter-million dollars worth of government cell phones.

Christopher Southerland, 43, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, faces one count of theft of government property following his Friday arrest in the nation’s capital, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced.

The indictment alleges Southerland systematically diverted 240 government-issued cellular devices valued at more than $150,000 during a five-month period spanning January through May 2023.

IT Position Enabled Systematic Fraud

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According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southerland served as a system administrator for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from April 2020 through July 2023. His role specifically authorized him to order cellular phones for committee staff members.

During the period of alleged theft, approximately 80 staffers worked on the committee—far fewer than the 240 phones Southerland ordered and had shipped directly to his residence in suburban Maryland.

“As alleged, stealing 240 government-issued phones worth over $150,000 is a direct betrayal of the public trust,” Pirro stated. “That’s taxpayer money meant to serve Americans, not line someone’s pockets.”

The former employee allegedly sold more than 200 of the stolen devices to a pawn shop near his home, instructing an employee to dismantle and sell the phones “in parts” to circumvent House mobile device management software that enables remote security and monitoring.

eBay Purchase Unraveled Scheme

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The carefully constructed fraud collapsed through an unexpected chain of events beginning with a single phone sold intact on the online marketplace eBay.

When the unsuspecting purchaser activated the device, the screen displayed a contact number for the House of Representatives Technology Service Desk. The buyer contacted the number, triggering an internal investigation that revealed significant inventory discrepancies.

House employees quickly determined that numerous phones ordered by Southerland remained unaccounted for, prompting referral to federal law enforcement authorities.

The U.S. Capitol Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Green for the District of Columbia.

Indictment Details Embezzlement Charges

The federal indictment, dated December 4 but unsealed in January, charges Southerland with willfully and knowingly embezzling, stealing, and converting government property to his personal use.

If convicted, prosecutors indicated they will seek monetary restitution in addition to any criminal penalties imposed by the court.

The Department of Justice emphasized the case demonstrates commitment to prosecuting public corruption and abuse of official positions regardless of the perpetrator’s rank or status.

Southerland pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance and was released pending trial. A federal public defender listed in online court records did not respond to requests for comment about the allegations.

Professional Background and Online Presence

According to his LinkedIn profile, Southerland describes himself as currently seeking employment and lists skills including project coordination, documentation, and reporting. He touts “excellent communication skills, a passion for customer service, and strong problem-solving skills.”

The profile indicates his employment with the U.S. House of Representatives began in September 2018, predating his specific assignment to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in April 2020.

Southerland is no longer employed by the committee, with his departure occurring in July 2023—approximately two months after the alleged theft scheme concluded.

Prosecution Under Pirro’s Leadership

The case represents one of the first major fraud prosecutions announced under Pirro’s tenure as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. The former Fox News host was confirmed by the Senate in August 2025 after serving as interim U.S. Attorney beginning in May.

President Trump appointed Pirro to replace conservative activist Ed Martin, whose nomination collapsed amid bipartisan Senate opposition. Pirro previously served as Westchester County District Attorney and established the nation’s first Domestic Violence Bureau in a prosecutor’s office.

The D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office maintains jurisdiction over federal crimes committed in the nation’s capital, including offenses involving government property and congressional employees.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabena Auyeung and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Courtney provided additional support for the prosecution team.

Broader Context of Congressional Misconduct

The case adds to a growing list of congressional staff members facing criminal charges for exploiting their positions. Legal experts note that positions with procurement authority require robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, one of the largest and most influential panels in Congress, oversees significant federal spending on transportation, water resources, and infrastructure projects nationwide.

Will this prosecution prompt enhanced security protocols for government technology procurement across congressional committees?

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