An aide for Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) is out of a job after allegedly stealing cash from a Congressional office building.
According to U.S. Capitol Police, 37-year-old Javier Sanchez was arrested July 11 and is facing charges of second-degree misdemeanor theft from the Rayburn House Office Building.
An affidavit states there were two thefts reported between February 2013 and March 15, 2013 from Rep. Bachmann's congressional office, Room 2417.
Capitol Police placed a hidden camera in Room 2417 April 4 and placed two envelopes, one with $80 marked "Petty Cash" on one desk, and another marked "Birthday Money" with $120 on another desk. The money from both envelopes was reported missing June 25.
Surveillance video captured a man entering the office just after 6:30 p.m. June 14. The video shows the man opening the chief of staff's drawer, removing an envelope, counting money and taking the cash and envelope with him, the charging documents state.
July 9, Sanchez' boss identified the man in the surveillance video as Sanchez. The two have known each other since January 2013, according to the affidavit.
Two days later, Sanchez was interviewed by police about the incident and denied taking money from his co-workers' desks.
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"I may have taken a quarter once and a while, but I would pay it back," Sanchez said in the affidavit.
Sanchez worked as a senior legislative assistant for Bachmann.
His lawyer confirmed to News4's Mark Segraves he was a staffer for Bachmann.
Monday evening, News4 learned Sanchez was fired. He is denying the charges, according to his lawyer.
Police reported a string of thefts from congressional offices at the same building last year, but it is not known whether they are linked to Sanchez. He previously worked for Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.).
Stay with NBCWashington.com and News4 for more on this developing story.
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