From the White House to the Big House?

White House staffers face the threat of up to two years in jail if they use their work-issue BlackBerries during a government shutdown, sources told National Journal.

Staffers have reportedly been “read the riot act,” warned not to use the devices. "People are VERY clear on not using BlackBerries [if they're nonexempted] after a shutdown,” one source said, speaking on condition of anonymity in discussing an internal White House matter with the press. “Same with nonexempted [employees] using their personal BlackBerries [for government work]. Total nonstarter."

According to shutdown contingency plans, approximately 435 of 1,781 full-time equivalent employees in the executive branch would be allowed to work during a shutdown.

Rebecca Kaplan contributed

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