National Archives Intern sells rare historic documents on EBay

For most part Interns have a good time during summer, learning valuable skills while at the same time contributing to their companies, earning some money and networking with other interns and co-workers over the summer. While this is the good side, the dark side rears its ugly head once in a while.

The United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government charged with preserving and documenting government and historical records. It is also charged with increasing public access to those documents. NARA is officially responsible for publishing acts of Congress, presidential proclamations and executive orders, and federal regulations. 

Denning McTague, a 40 year old with a Master’s degree in History and Library Science was working as an unpaid intern with the National Archives last summer pleaded guily on Wednesday(04/04/07) to stealing 164 civil war documents including an official announcement of President Lincoln’s death, and putting about 150 of these historic documents up for sale on eBay. The good news is that all but 3 of these rare documents have since been recovered.

How he did it?

McTague confessed to investigators that he used a yellow legal pad to sneak the documents out. The stolen Civil War-era documents included telegrams concerning the troops’ weaponry, the War Department’s announcement of Lincoln’s death sent to soldiers, and a letter from famed cavalryman James Ewell Brown Stuart, prosecutors said.

U.S Attorney Pat Meehan said

“Mr. McTegg was an insider. He knew the value of these documents, he knew the significance of what they might be able to generate on the outside market and used the opportunity with growing ability now of people to take advantage of eBay.”

Paul Brachfeld, inspector general for the National Archives, said

“The documents are invaluable and getting them back wasn’t easy, especially since some had been sold overseas. They’re all the history of our democracy.”

McTague pleaded guilty to one federal count of stealing government property. U.S. District Judge Stewart Dalzell set his sentencing for July 12. The maximum sentence would be 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but federal sentencing guidelines call for much less.

Related Articles:

1. Intern stole, sold Civil war documents on EBay on MSNBC

2. Historic Documents stolen last year recovered after tip on MSNBC
 

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