Aimee Harris, a Florida woman who stole and sold a diary and other items belonging to Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden, to a right-wing media group in 2020, received a sentence of one month in federal jail and three months of home detention. The sentencing also included three years of probation and forfeiture of $20,000. Harris was accused of stealing Ashley Biden’s property to make money and harm President Biden politically. Prosecutors had requested between four to 10 months in jail for Harris, but she asked for probation. Although the sentence was lighter than what prosecutors wanted, the judge called Harris’ conduct “despicable” and noted that she had initially tried to sell the items to the campaign of Donald Trump.
Harris pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiring with Robert Kurlander to steal Ashley Biden’s possessions from a Florida home and transporting them over state lines for sale. Harris, who claims to be a survivor of long-term domestic abuse and sexual trauma, expressed remorse for her actions in court. The items, which included a diary with personal entries and a digital storage card, were later sold to Project Veritas for $20,000 each. Kurlander, who also pleaded guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced in October. These events were part of a criminal investigation into the diary theft.
In December, a federal judge ruled that prosecutors could access documents seized by the FBI during search warrants executed at Project Veritas’ homes in 2021. The documents revealed that Harris and Kurlander were paid by Project Veritas to hand over Ashley Biden’s journal and retrieve additional items from her residence in Florida. Project Veritas decided not to publish the diary, and later turned it over to law enforcement when Ashley’s lawyer refused to accept it. No charges have been filed against anyone connected to Project Veritas in relation to the diary incident. James O’Keefe, the former CEO of Project Veritas, stated that the group made the ethical decision not to publish the diary due to concerns about its authenticity and ownership.
Despite Harris’ attempts to sell the stolen items for financial gain, the court ultimately sentenced her to jail time and probation. The judge criticized Harris for her actions and noted the seriousness of her conduct. Harris claimed to feel the shame and stigma of her actions, acknowledging her wrongdoings. The sentence, which included jail time, home detention, and probation, aimed to hold Harris accountable for her actions and serve as a deterrent for future criminal behavior. The investigation into the theft of Ashley Biden’s diary continues, with prosecutors seeking access to additional relevant documents and information related to the case.
In conclusion, Aimee Harris’ sentencing for stealing and selling Ashley Biden’s diary and other items to a right-wing media group shed light on the legal consequences of such actions. Harris’ guilt and shame were apparent in her plea for leniency, but the court upheld the severity of her behavior by imposing jail time and probation. The court proceedings revealed the involvement of Project Veritas in the incident, prompting further investigation into their actions. As the case continues to unfold, the impact of Harris’ actions on the Biden family and the political landscape remains significant. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions of unethical and criminal behavior, especially when motivated by personal gain and political agendas.
