Justice Department Delays Release of Epstein Files Due to New Discovery

The U.S. Justice Department announced on December 27, 2023, that it may require a “few more weeks” to complete the release of records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This delay follows the unexpected discovery of more than a million documents that could be relevant to the ongoing investigations into Epstein and his associates. The announcement comes after the department missed a congressionally mandated deadline for document release set for December 22, 2023.

The recent disclosure prompted a group of twelve U.S. senators, comprising eleven Democrats and one Republican, to urge the Justice Department’s watchdog to investigate its failure to meet the deadline. In a letter to Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume, the lawmakers emphasized the need for “full disclosure” for victims and called for an independent audit to ensure transparency.

The Justice Department revealed via social media that federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the FBI had identified over a million additional documents related to the Epstein case. This announcement comes as a surprise, especially since department officials had previously indicated that they had conducted a comprehensive review of all relevant materials. In March, Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, stated that the FBI had produced a “truckload of evidence” after she ordered a complete delivery of Epstein files to her office.

In July, the FBI and Justice Department suggested in an unsigned memo that they had performed an “exhaustive review” of materials, leading to a conclusion that no further evidence should be released. This statement marked a significant shift from the previous administration’s commitment to maximum transparency regarding the Epstein case. The recent social media announcement did not clarify when the Justice Department became aware of the newly uncovered documents.

Last week, Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, confirmed that prosecutors in Manhattan already possessed more than 3.6 million records from sex trafficking investigations involving Epstein and his close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. However, many of these records were said to be copies of previously disclosed materials. The Justice Department stated that its legal team is “working around the clock” to review the newly discovered documents and redact any identifying information in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was enacted last month.

The department reassured the public, stating, “We will release the documents as soon as possible. Due to the mass volume of material, this process may take a few more weeks.” This delay has sparked increasing scrutiny from both Epstein victims and members of Congress regarding the Justice Department’s staggered release of documents.

In a statement posted on X, Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky and one of the authors of the law mandating the document release, accused the Justice Department of breaking the law by making illegal redactions and failing to meet the deadline. Fellow lawmaker Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, commented that he and Massie would continue to apply pressure on the Justice Department, noting that the release of additional documents followed threats of contempt from lawmakers.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, criticized the timing of the announcement, describing it as a “Christmas Eve news dump.” He raised questions about the motivations behind the late release and stated, “The question Americans deserve answered is simple: WHAT are they hiding — and WHY?”

The White House defended the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein records. Abigail Jackson, a spokeswoman, praised the department’s leadership and asserted that the administration is effectively implementing its agenda.

Following an initial wave of records released on December 22, the Justice Department continued to publish additional documents on its website over the weekend and into the following week. The specific timeline for further releases remains unclear. The documents that have been disclosed include photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, and court records, many of which were heavily redacted or previously available to the public.

Notably, some newly released records contain grand jury testimony from FBI agents detailing interviews with multiple individuals who alleged that they were compensated to engage in sexual activities with Epstein. Other records include a January 2020 note from a federal prosecutor indicating that former President Donald Trump had flown on Epstein’s private plane more often than previously acknowledged, alongside emails suggesting correspondence with former Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom.

In light of the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, the group of senators has called for an inspector general audit. This request follows Schumer’s introduction of a resolution aimed at directing the Senate to pursue legal action to compel the Justice Department to comply with the disclosure requirements set forth by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The senators stated, “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential.”

The lawmakers stressed that full transparency is crucial to identifying those who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes.