A former Justice Department attorney who helped investigate President Donald Trump has been charged with stealing confidential government documents, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
The former federal prosecutor, who previously worked under special counsel Jack Smith, was indicted on charges that could carry up to 25 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Patel announced the charges while saying the case shows the Justice Department is taking misconduct involving sensitive government records seriously.
According to reports, prosecutors allege the former attorney improperly removed or retained confidential documents connected to official government work.
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The case has drawn major attention because of the attorney’s past role in investigations involving Trump, making it another politically sensitive legal matter connected to the Justice Department.
Supporters of the Trump administration argue the indictment raises serious questions about how politically charged investigations were handled during previous years.
Critics may caution that the case should be judged on the evidence in court rather than treated as proof of broader wrongdoing before trial.
The charges are expected to renew debate over government accountability, classified or confidential records, and whether officials involved in high-profile investigations followed proper legal procedures.
Federal prosecutors have not publicly released all details regarding which documents were allegedly taken or how they were handled after leaving government custody.
The indictment now moves into the court process, where the former DOJ attorney will have the opportunity to respond to the charges.
If convicted on all counts, the former prosecutor could face a lengthy prison sentence.
The case is likely to remain closely watched because of its connection to Trump-related investigations and the wider political fight over alleged weaponization of federal law enforcement.
🚨 BREAKING: A Deep State agent who supported Jack Smith’s weaponized witch hunt against President Trump has just been CRIMINALLY CHARGED on FELONY counts of stealing confidential investigation documents
LFG! More accountability🔥
FBI Director Kash Patel says former managing… pic.twitter.com/BgoQn1VmeC
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 20, 2026
