Justice Department Indicts Federal Prosecutor on Four Counts
The Justice Department indicted a federal prosecutor on charges of altering records and theft of government property. The case involves a confidential report from the classified documents investigation.
nbcnews.comThe Justice Department indicted federal prosecutor Caren Mercedes Lineberger on four counts Tuesday in Florida. The charges include destruction or alteration of records in a federal investigation, concealment or removal of public records, and two counts of theft of government property.
Pdf” and sent it to her personal email in September 2025. In December, she allegedly downloaded the confidential final report on the classified documents investigation, renamed it “Bundt_Cake_Recipe. The report was prepared by former Special Counsel Jack Smith and concerns the investigation into President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents.
Lineberger was arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. She was released on her own recognizance. Judge Aileen Cannon previously ordered the report kept confidential after the case against Trump was dismissed following his 2024 election victory. Lineberger has requested a jury trial. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 25 years in prison and $700,000 in fines.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- September 2025
Lineberger allegedly created and emailed a document titled Chocolate_cake_recipe.pdf.
1 source@Forbes - December 2025
Lineberger allegedly downloaded and emailed the confidential report under the name Bundt_Cake_Recipe.pdf.
1 source@Forbes - May 19, 2026
The Justice Department indicted Lineberger on four counts.
1 source@Forbes - May 20, 2026
Lineberger was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.
1 source@Forbes
Potential Impact
- 01
Lineberger faces a jury trial that could result in a prison sentence if convicted.
- 02
The confidential report remains under court seal pending further proceedings.
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