Us Code § 654 - Officer or employee of United States converting property of another

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 654 — Officer or employee of United States converting property of another, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 654. Officer or employee of United States converting property of another

Whoever, being an officer or employee of the United States or of any department or agency thereof, embezzles or wrongfully converts to his own use the money or property of another which comes into his possession or under his control in the execution of such office or employment, or under color or claim of authority as such officer or employee, shall be fined under this title or not more than the value of the money and property thus embezzled or converted, whichever is greater, or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; but if the sum embezzled is $1,000 or less, he shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 728; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(H), (2)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147, 2148; Pub. L. 104–294, title VI, §606(a), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3511.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §183 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §97, 35 Stat. 1106).

The phrase "Whoever being an officer or agent of the United States or of any department or agency thereof," was substituted for the words "Any officer connected with, or employed in the Internal Revenue Service of the United States * * * And any officer of the United States, or any assistant of such officer," in order to clarify scope of section. (See definitive section 6 and reviser's note thereunder.)

The embezzlement of Government money or property is adequately covered by section 641 of this title.

The smaller punishment for an offense involving $100 or less was added. (See reviser's notes under sections 641 and 645 of this title.)

Minor changes were made in phraseology.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–294 substituted "$1,000" for "$100".

1994—Pub. L. 103–322, §330016(2)(H), substituted "shall be fined under this title or not more than the value of the money and property thus embezzled or converted, whichever is greater, or imprisoned" for "shall be fined not more than the value of the money and property thus embezzled or converted, or imprisoned".

Pub. L. 103–322, §330016(1)(H), substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $1,000" after "he shall be".

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 654 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 654. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 654

What does United States Code § 654 cover?

Section 654 ("Officer or employee of United States converting property of another") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 654?

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Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 654 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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