DOJ: Prosecutor Sent Secret Trump Files via ‘Chocolate Cake Recipe' Email
A former Justice Department attorney in Florida has been indicted for allegedly transmitting sealed government records, including a confidential report tied to the investigation into President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents, to her personal email, according to a newly unsealed federal indictment.
The case underscores concerns about the security of sensitive DOJ materials and potential violations of court orders governing sealed records. Carmen Mercedes Lineberger, 62, of Port St. Lucie, faces multiple charges, including theft of government property, destruction or falsification of records, and concealment or removal of public records.
She pleaded not guilty during an arraignment in federal court in West Palm Beach, and the case is being investigated by the FBI and the Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General.
According to prosecutors, Lineberger was serving as the managing assistant U.S. attorney in the Fort Pierce branch of the Southern District of Florida when she accessed government records in her official capacity and sent them to her personal email accounts without authorization.
The indictment alleges she altered the filenames of the records to avoid detection, renaming them with misleading titles such as "chocolate cake recipe" and "bundt cake recipe" before transmitting them.
Among the records was a Justice Department report tied to a criminal case in the Southern District of Florida that had been ordered sealed and barred from disclosure outside the department.
Prosecutors allege Lineberger knew that sending the report outside DOJ violated a court order and could interfere with the proper administration of the underlying prosecution.
Charges, Potential Penalties Explained
If convicted, Lineberger faces up to 20 years in prison for falsifying records in a federal investigation, up to three years for concealing or removing public records, and up to one year on each count of theft of government property.
The charges stem from alleged actions in late 2025, when prosecutors say she engaged in multiple instances of altering and transmitting protected records.
Sealed Jack Smith Trump Investigation Report at Center
The sealed report referenced in the indictment relates to a special counsel Jack Smith‘s investigation into Trump's retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Other reporting indicates the volume has remained out of public view following a court order restricting its release.
The indictment does not specify why Lineberger allegedly sent the material to herself or whether prosecutors believe she intended to further distribute
This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 2:49 PM.