A staff member of Congressman Joe Morelle was arrested on Monday at the U.S. Capitol.
According to police, at approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer, identified as 38-year-old Michael Hopkins, entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening. U.S. Capitol Police officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen. After a hand search of the bag, officers reportedly found ammunition magazines and 11 rounds of ammunition. Hopkins told the officers he forgot the ammunition was in the bag.
Hopkins was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine.
Monday afternoon, Hopkins lost his job, according to Congressman Morelle’s office:
“In response to this morning’s incident, Mr. Hopkins is no longer employed by Representative Morelle’s office effective immediately.”
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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