Authorities are currently searching for 39-year-old Toby Shane Kessler, identified by law enforcement as the individual who unlawfully entered a campaign office for ex-President Donald Trump in Virginia last weekend.
The incident, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, occurred at the Trump for President 2024 campaign office in Ashburn, Virginia, roughly 30 miles northwest of the nation’s capital, around 8:11 p.m. on Sunday. The office is under lease by Trump’s campaign team.
Charged with burglary, Kessler faces the possibility of a 20-year prison term and a fine of $2,500 if found guilty.
The sheriff’s office disclosed, “After forcibly opening a back door to gain entry, Mr. Kessler was inside the premises for a short duration before departing,” adding, “There was no evidence he left anything behind, and it remains uncertain whether he took anything. The investigation continues.”
Kessler, depicted as a white male donning dark attire, a hat, and a backpack, reportedly lacks a permanent residence.
Authorities noted, “With a background marred by criminal activities, Mr. Kessler seems to have been residing in the Washington metropolitan area since at least 2018, with a California ID to his name.”
His criminal record, as per court documents, includes a 2020 felony arrest in Arlington and a charge of failure to appear in court in July of the same year. On July 13, 2024, he was apprehended but later released on recognizance.
The Washington Post highlighted Kessler’s legal troubles, including charges filed against him in 2019 in Maryland for second-degree assault, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, alongside a loitering charge in Florida. His record in Virginia includes charges for public intoxication and property damage.
Rich Anderson, the Chairman of the Virginia GOP, extended his gratitude towards the law enforcement for their swift and proficient investigation of the case, stating, “The Republican Party of Virginia deeply appreciates the efforts of Sheriff Mike Chapman and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Their diligent work serves as a testament to the vital role played by the dedicated individuals in our law enforcement agencies in maintaining the safety of our communities.”
