Florida woman is sentenced to a month in jail for selling Biden's daughter's diary

A Florida mother was sentenced to a month in prison and three months of home confinement on Tuesday for stealing and selling President Joe Biden’s daughter's diary four years ago to the conservative group Project Veritas. Aimee Harris, from Palm Beach, Florida, received her sentence in Manhattan federal court from Judge Laura Taylor Swain, who condemned her actions as “despicable.”

Harris pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in August 2022, admitting that she received $20,000 out of the $40,000 paid by Project Veritas for personal items belonging to the president's daughter, Ashley Biden. Project Veritas, founded in 2010 and self-identifying as a news organization, is known for conducting hidden camera stings that have embarrassed news outlets, labor organizations, and Democratic politicians.

During her sentencing, Harris tearfully apologized for her role in selling Ashley Biden's private writings after finding the diary and other items at a friend’s home in Delray Beach, Florida, in 2020. Prosecutors revealed that Ashley Biden believed her belongings were safely stored there after temporarily staying at the residence in spring 2020.

Harris expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging that she is not above the law. She disclosed that she is a survivor of long-term domestic abuse and sexual trauma, which contributed to her decisions.

With Ashley Biden's attorney present in the courtroom, Harris directly apologized to the president's daughter, expressing regret for making her childhood and life public.

Judge Swain noted during sentencing that Harris and a co-defendant, Robert Kurlander, had initially attempted to sell Ashley Biden's belongings to then-President Donald Trump's 2020 campaign before turning to Project Veritas.

Defense attorney Anthony Cecutti argued against prison time for Harris, citing her traumatic past and her responsibilities as a mother caring for her children. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Sobelman advocated for a prison sentence, highlighting Harris's disregard for the law and the impact on Ashley Biden.

Harris is required to report to prison in July, and she declined to comment as she left the courthouse. Ashley Biden's lawyer also refrained from making a statement but submitted a letter to the judge on behalf of his client a day prior to the sentencing.