18 U.S.C. § 641 – Public money, property, or records (theft or embezzlement of U.S. government property)
This law makes it a federal crime to steal, misuse, or help someone else steal money, property, or records that belong to the United States.
Section 641 covers a wide range of wrongdoing involving federal property. It applies to anyone who takes, steals, embezzles, or knowingly converts government property for personal use—or helps someone else do it. It also covers selling, hiding, or keeping property that you know was stolen from the U.S. government.
What the law prohibits.
You violate this statute if you knowingly do any of the following involving U.S. government property:
- Steal, embezzle, or convert federal money, property, records, or valuables.
- Sell, transfer, or dispose of federal property without permission or without legal authority.
- Keep, hide, or receive government property knowing it was stolen, embezzled, or illegally taken.
- Take or misuse property being made for the government under a federal contract (for example, equipment being manufactured for federal agencies).
Penalties.
Punishment depends on the value of the property involved:
- If the value is more than $1,000: up to 10 years in federal prison and fines.
- If the value is $1,000 or less: up to 1 year in prison and fines (a misdemeanor-level penalty).
The law defines “value” broadly—it includes market value, face value, or cost price, whichever is highest.
If you’re facing federal embezzlement or theft allegations under § 641, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys for guidance.
