Who Stole Ashley Biden's Personal Diary?

President Joe Biden's daughter Ashley and her husband Dr. Howard Krein at their wedding in Wilmington, Delaware, June 2, 2012. Photo courtesy of David Lienemann. Public domain.

In 2020, a seemingly small crime involving the theft of a diary escalated into a high-profile scandal that captivated the nation. The victim was none other than Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden. The diary's theft not only invaded her privacy but also triggered legal battles and media attention, leading to the sentencing of the person responsible. So, who stole Ashley Biden's diary, what did they do with it, and what consequences did they face?

Who Stole Ashley Biden's Diary?

In 2020, Aimee Harris, a Florida resident, became embroiled in a high-profile case after she was found to have stolen Ashley Biden's diary. In the spring of 2020, Ashley Biden was in the process of moving out of a friend's home in Delray Beach, Florida. She left her diary and other personal belongings at the property, trusting they were securely stored. However, when Harris later moved into the same room, she discovered these items. Harris then contacted Robert Kurlander, who promised to help her sell the belongings for a substantial sum.

What Did They Do With The Diary?

Initially, Harris and Kurlander attempted to sell the diary to Donald Trump's campaign, hoping to make a significant profit. When that plan fell through, they turned to Project Veritas, a conservative organization known for its controversial investigative journalism, and secured $40,000 for the diary. According to court documents, Project Veritas covered the costs for Harris and Kurlander to transport the stolen diary from Florida to New York City, including airfare, hotel, and a car service. After meeting in New York, Harris, at Project Veritas' request, took more of Biden's belongings from the Florida home. A Project Veritas employee later flew to Florida to retrieve the additional items and had them shipped back to New York.

Although Project Veritas did not publish the contents, another right-wing group, The National File, released what it claimed was a complete copy of Ashley Biden's diary just before the 2020 presidential election. The diary was allegedly written during the 2020 campaign while Ashley Biden was 39 years old.

What Happened to Them?

Harris and Kurlander faced swift and serious consequences for their actions, both pleading guilty to federal charges related to the theft and sale of Ashley Biden's diary. In April 2024, Harris was sentenced to one month in jail, three years of probation, and was ordered to repay the $20,000 she received, highlighting the significant penalties for her role in the crime. Kurlander's is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 25, 2024.

References: Florida woman who stole Ashley Biden's diary in 2020 sentenced to one month in jail | Ashley Biden's Diary—Everything We Know