Florida judge approves DOJ's request to release Epstein grand jury transcripts

A federal court in Florida has approved a Department of Justice request to make public the grand jury transcripts from the early federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein in the mid-2000s. The ruling also allows changes to any protective orders that might restrict public access.

U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith, appointed by former President Trump, stated that the recently passed Epstein Transparency Act takes precedence over federal rules that normally prevent disclosure of grand jury materials.

In his Friday order, Smith explained, The Act covers unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials concerning Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Therefore, the specific provisions of the Act override Rule 6s limitations on disclosure. As a result, it is ORDERED that the United States Expedited Motion to Unseal Grand Jury Transcripts and Modify Protective Orderis GRANTED.

Smith is the first of three federal judges the DOJ asked to release grand jury documents related to Epstein and his convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Decisions from two New York judges are expected next week.

This marks the second time the DOJ has sought access to these grand jury records. Previous attempts, made before the Epstein Transparency Act became law, were denied by the courts.

During the initial investigations in the mid-2000s, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida convened two separate grand juries to examine allegations of Epsteins sex-trafficking of minors. Neither grand jury issued an indictment against Epstein, and federal charges were never filed in Florida. Epstein ultimately reached a non-prosecution agreement with federal authorities, leading to his state-level guilty pleas.

Author: Logan Reeves