Charles Littlejohn, the ex-IRS contractor who leaked former President Trump’s tax returns, has been sentenced to five years in prison, with 36 months of supervised release and a $5,000 fine.
The judge condemned his actions as an attack on democracy, emphasizing that there are lawful means to address concerns.
Judge Ana Reyes said the leak was “an intolerable attack on our constitutional democracy.”
“The press tells us Democracy dies in darkness. It also dies in lawlessness,” continued the judge.
“There are numerous lawful means to bring things to light. Trump was under no obligation to expose his returns. People could vote for someone else. They could run against him,” she added.
Prosecutors stated that Littlejohn sought his IRS job specifically to leak Trump’s returns, believing Trump to be a threat to democracy.
Prosecutors said, “[Littlejohn] weaponized his access to unmasked taxpayer data to further his own personal political agenda, believing that he was above the law.”
“A free press and public engagement with the media are critical to any healthy democracy, but stealing and leaking private, personal tax information strips individuals of the legal protection of their most sensitive data,” they continued.
“He did not make a snap judgment. He made a series of decisions. This court cannot let others view this conduct as acceptable. I need to send the strongest possible message that we are a nation of laws,” said the judge.
They accused him of weaponizing taxpayer data for his political agenda.
The judge echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to send a strong message that the nation upholds the rule of law.
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