A former Justice Department prosecutor who worked on Jack Smith’s investigation of President Donald Trump has been charged with stealing confidential government documents, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Carmen Lineberger, a former managing assistant U.S. attorney, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony obstruction and concealment charges in federal court.
Patel said Lineberger allegedly emailed confidential investigative materials to her personal email account while attempting to disguise the documents as dessert recipes to avoid detection during record searches.
The case has drawn major attention because Lineberger reportedly supported Jack Smith’s politically sensitive investigation involving Trump before later being accused of mishandling confidential materials tied to the probe.
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According to Patel, Lineberger is charged with four felony counts in the indictment.
Federal officials allege the documents were connected to confidential investigative work and should not have been removed, concealed or transferred outside authorized government systems.
The charges immediately sparked political reaction online, with Trump supporters pointing to the case as another example of alleged misconduct inside investigations targeting the president.
Patel said the FBI would not hesitate to hold accountable those who violated the public’s trust.
“This FBI will not hesitate to bring to account those who violated the trust of the American public,” Patel wrote.
The case is expected to intensify debate over the handling of sensitive government records, the conduct of officials involved in Trump-related investigations and broader claims that federal law enforcement was weaponized for political purposes.
Lineberger’s defense is expected to challenge the allegations as the case moves through court. She has pleaded not guilty, meaning the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
The indictment could carry serious consequences if she is convicted on all counts.
The case also comes as Trump administration officials continue reviewing past investigations involving the president, including claims that prosecutors and federal agencies crossed legal or ethical boundaries.
For now, the prosecution of Lineberger is likely to remain closely watched because of her connection to Jack Smith’s investigation and the broader political fight over accountability inside the Justice Department.
🚨 This afternoon, a former managing assistant U.S. Attorney who supported Jack Smith’s politicized investigation of President Trump has been charged with stealing the confidential investigation documents.
Carmen Lineberger allegedly emailed the confidential material to her…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 20, 2026
