WASHINGTON, DC – A former House of Representatives system administrator has been indicted on federal charges after allegedly stealing approximately 240 government-issued cellphones worth more than $150,000 and selling them to a Maryland pawn shop.
Christopher Southerland, 43, of Glen Burnie worked for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from April 2020 to July 2023. Prosecutors say he used his position to order hundreds of phones shipped directly to his home despite the committee having only about 80 staff members.
The scheme unraveled in spectacular fashion. According to the indictment, Southerland sold over 200 phones to a nearby pawn shop and instructed employees to dismantle the devices to bypass government device management software.
But one phone slipped through intact. When a buyer powered it on, the House of Representatives Technology Service Desk contact number appeared on the screen. The confused buyer called the number, prompting House officials to investigate. They quickly discovered dozens of unaccounted-for phones had been ordered under Southerland’s account.
Between January and May 2023 alone, Southerland allegedly ordered roughly 240 new cellphones, according to investigators. The devices were shipped to his residence rather than the congressional office.
The U.S. Capitol Police and FBI conducted the investigation that led to the indictment. Southerland faces federal charges for stealing government property.
The case highlights vulnerabilities in congressional IT systems and procurement processes. Critics say the theft should have been detected much earlier given the obvious discrepancy between staff size and phone orders.
Committee officials declined to comment on what internal controls existed or whether additional safeguards have been implemented since the theft was discovered.
Southerland is scheduled to appear in federal court later this month. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
