FBI Probes Allegation That Woman Stole Laptop From Pelosi’s Office to Sell to Russia

A computer is pictured in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

The FBI is investigating whether a woman seen in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) office on Jan. 6 allegedly stole a computer or hard drive and had plans to sell it to Russia.

The claim was outlined in an affidavit filed in the case against Riley June Williams, a Pennsylvania woman who authorities said took part in the storming of the U.S. Capitol earlier this month.

In the days following the breach, a witness called the FBI’s tip line several times. The witness said he or she was a former romantic partner of Williams and saw Williams in video footage captured on Jan. 6.

The caller (W1) also claimed to have spoken to friends of Williams, who showed him or her a video of Williams taking a computer or hard drive from Pelosi’s office during the mayhem that day.

“W1 stated that WILLIAMS intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russia’s foreign intelligence service,” Special Agent Jonathan Lund wrote in the court filing.

“According to W1, the transfer of the computer device to Russia fell through for unknown reasons and WILLIAMS still has the computer device or destroyed it. This matter remains under investigation.”

Pelosi’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

Protesters gather near the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. Win McNamee/Getty Images

A spokesman for Pelosi confirmed last week that a laptop was stolen from her office during the breach of the Capitol. The computer “was only used for presentations,” spokesman Drew Hammill said.

At least one other laptop was stolen from congressional offices on Jan. 6. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said a computer was taken from his office.

U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin told reporters in a recent briefing that people “were literally rifling through Pelosi’s office and stealing items, stealing materials, mail, and sometimes even personal mementos.”

The new affidavit was signed by a judge on Jan. 17.

Officials say Williams, 22, apparently fled. According to law enforcement officers in Harrisburg, Williams’s mother said her daughter packed a bag and left home, saying she'd be gone for a couple of weeks.

Sometime after Jan. 6, Williams changed her phone number and deleted accounts on social media platforms, including Facebook, Reddit, and Parler.

Williams was charged with illegally entering the Capitol, violent entry, and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Williams didn’t have an attorney listed as of Jan. 18.