WASHINGTON – A top aide to U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann has been charged with stealing following an investigation into a rash of thefts in a House office building where her office is located, Capitol Police said Monday.

Javier Sanchez, Bachmann's legislative director, was arrested Thursday after a months-long investigation of thefts inside the Rayburn House Office Building.

A spokesman for Bachmann said that as of Friday, Sanchez is "no longer with the office" and referred questions to police.

Sanchez, 37, of Virginia, was charged with "Theft 2," said Capitol Police Officer Shennell Antrobus.

It was unclear Monday night if Sanchez was implicated in one or more thefts. Antrobus indicated that police had been investigating a continuing problem of thefts in Rayburn. The Hill newspaper cited an unnamed police official saying the arrest was in connection with the theft of cash from Bachmann's office, and not related to other thefts.

NBC News in Washington, citing an affidavit, reported that Sanchez was identified in a hidden camera sting investigation taking two envelopes of cash from co-workers.

Theft 2 covers thefts under $1,000 and is punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

Sanchez did not respond Monday to an e-mail seeking comment.

Bachmann announced six weeks ago that she would not seek a fifth term.

Follow Kevin Diaz on Twitter @StribDiaz.