On July 11, Mr. Sanchez was arrested on charges that he burglarized several offices belonging to other House members. From news reports, it appears that some thefts took place back in 2012 and others in 2013. Here's a refresher on the 2012 thefts:
Other offices hit along with Gowdy’s—some of which handle information dealing with issues of national security, though nothing of a sensitive nature was reportedly taken—include those of Reps. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., and Jon Runyan, R-N.J.; the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee; and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Those looking for some common link might note that Lewis serves on Appropriations; Gowdy sits on Oversight; and Runyan is a member of the Armed Services Committee. Also, staffers on the House Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, Census, and the National Archives, which Gowdy chairs, reported that $200 of their money went missing during business hours.
That National Journal article has an interesting map which shows the relationship of the burglaries to Bachmann's office.
Former Representative (formerly MY representative!) Elton Gallegly was quick on the draw, blaming the burglaries on contracted cleaning staff whose employers don't use e-Verify. He didn't stop there, either:
“Is it possible people are working in the U.S. Capitol who have a key to my office, who have no legal rights to be here in the United States? Well, that’s possible,” Gallegly said. “That’s very unsettling.”
Thank God that guy retired. His allegations sound perfectly Republican, but they're also untrue.
The Hill has details on the arrest:
“Earlier this year the United States Capitol Police was apprised of thefts that occurred in the Rayburn House Office Building,” spokesperson Shennell Antro told The Hill in a statement.
“The USCP conducted an investigation and were able to identify a subject. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Javier Sanchez of Virginia. The arrest took place on 7/11/2013. Sanchez has been charged with Theft II.”
Theft II involves stealing less than $1,000 worth of goods. What was taken, and why?
Rep. Lewis, for example, is disliked by the Tea Party and has been the target of an official 2010 request by Judicial Watch's Tom Fitton to remove him as chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
Jon Runyan wasn't shy about criticizing Bachmann's run for president, calling her a Capitol Hill outsider and a divisive force.
Gallegly was appointed chair of the immigration committee in 2010, leaving Bachmann's pal Steve King out in the cold.
Was Mr. Sanchez gathering intel on Michele Bachmann's critics, or was Sanchez just a kleptomaniac who couldn't resist a stray $20 bill? Stay tuned.
