Kevin Clinesmith Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Wife, Career, FBI, Indictment, Sentence, Family, Net Worth

Kevin Clinesmith Wikipedia, Biography

Kevin Clinesmith is a former attorney who served in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He gained national attention due to his involvement in the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, particularly for altering an email used in the surveillance of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. This action led to legal consequences and brought Clinesmith into the public eye.

Early Life and Education

Kevin Clinesmith was born in 1984 and raised in a small farming town in rural Michigan. He pursued higher education at Saginaw Valley State University, followed by obtaining a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. To further his legal expertise, Clinesmith earned an advanced law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Career

Early Career

Before joining the FBI, Clinesmith worked in various capacities within the U.S. government. He was employed at the U.S. Department of Energy for nearly five years, where he handled multiple responsibilities. Prior to that, he served in Michigan’s state government, working in the Governor’s office and the Attorney General’s office.

Role at the FBI

In July 2015, Clinesmith joined the FBI as an Assistant General Counsel in the National Security and Cyber Law Branch of the FBI’s Office of General Counsel. His role involved providing legal support to FBI personnel working on national security matters. Notably, he was part of the team involved in the “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation, which looked into potential coordination between individuals associated with the Donald J. Trump for President Campaign and the Russian government.

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Controversy and Legal Proceedings

Alteration of Email

During the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, Clinesmith was tasked with assisting in the preparation of applications for surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). In June 2017, while preparing a FISA application renewal targeting Carter Page, a former Trump campaign adviser, Clinesmith altered an email from another U.S. government agency. The original email indicated that Page had been a source for the agency; however, Clinesmith modified it to state that Page was “not a source.” This alteration was significant, as it impacted the information presented to the FISA court.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

In August 2020, Clinesmith pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement, acknowledging that he had altered the email. During sentencing in January 2021, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg noted that Clinesmith likely believed the information he added was true but emphasized that altering the email was an inappropriate shortcut. Consequently, Clinesmith was sentenced to 12 months of probation and 400 hours of community service.

Personal Life

Details about Kevin Clinesmith’s personal life, including information about his wife and children, are not extensively publicized. It is known that during his sentencing, considerations were made regarding the impact of potential imprisonment on his family, indicating that he has a wife and at least one child.

Net Worth

As of 2025, there is no publicly available information regarding Kevin Clinesmith’s net worth. His career in public service, including his tenure at the FBI and prior roles in government, suggests a professional background in the public sector.

Conclusion

Kevin Clinesmith’s career trajectory, from a dedicated public servant to a central figure in a high-profile legal case, underscores the profound impact that individual actions can have within governmental and legal institutions. His involvement in the alteration of a critical email during a significant investigation serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity and adherence to legal standards in public service.

FAQs

Who is Kevin Clinesmith?

Kevin Clinesmith is a former FBI attorney known for altering an email during the Crossfire Hurricane investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

What was Kevin Clinesmith’s role in the FBI?

He served as an Assistant General Counsel in the National Security and Cyber Law Branch, providing legal support for national security investigations.

What did Kevin Clinesmith do to become a controversial figure?

Clinesmith altered an email to state that Carter Page was “not a source” for another government agency, which was used in a FISA application during the Crossfire Hurricane investigation.

Did Kevin Clinesmith face legal consequences for his actions?

Yes, he pleaded guilty to making a false statement and was sentenced to 12 months of probation and 400 hours of community service.

What was the Crossfire Hurricane investigation?

It was the FBI’s investigation into whether individuals associated with the Trump campaign were coordinating with the Russian government during the 2016 election.

What was the significance of the altered email?

The alteration misrepresented Carter Page’s relationship with another government agency, affecting the information presented to the FISA court for surveillance authorization.

Did Kevin Clinesmith act with political bias?

An investigation by the Department of Justice’s Inspector General did not establish that political considerations played a role in Clinesmith’s actions.

Where is Kevin Clinesmith now?

As of January 2025, there is no publicly available information regarding his current whereabouts or professional engagements.