Lafayette Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Trying to Access Trump Taxes
Apr 30, 2018 04:53PM ● By Staff Writer
Jordan Hamlett, a former Louisiana private investigator, was sentenced in April to 18 months in prison for repeatedly trying to access Donald Trump's federal tax information several weeks before the 2016 election.
Hamlett, 32, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty in December to misusing Trump's Social Security number. He faced a maximum sentence of five years and up to $250,000 in fines from U.S. District Judge John deGravelles.
Judge deGravelles ordered Hamlett to report to federal prison by May 28 to begin his 18 month sentence and ordered him to pay $14,794 in restitution.
Hamlett apologized to the court for his actions stating, “…he was trying to help and just made a bad decision which cost him everything…”
Court records unveiled that prior to the 2016 Presidential election, Hamlett used Trump's name, Social Security number, and date of birth to open an online application for federal student aid. After obtaining a username and password, he then attempted to access IRS server systems to obtain Trump's tax information. He made six attempts but was unsuccessful.
Federal agents confronted Hamlett in Baton Rouge several weeks before the presidential election and questioned him. Special Agent Samuel Johnson testified that Hamlett immediately took credit for his "genius idea" to get Trump's tax returns.
It has been reported that after his sentencing, Hamlett stated he had obtained Trump's Social Security number through a simple Google search.
Photo Source: East Baton Rouge Parish (Mugshot)
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