Judge orders release of Epstein investigation transcripts in Florida

On Friday, a federal judge mandated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) make public the jury transcripts from Floridas probe into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith issued the order under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which compels the DOJ to disclose all records related to Epstein.

The legislation, signed into law by President Trump last month following congressional approval, overrides prior protective orders that had prevented the DOJ from releasing grand jury materials. While the exact timing of the release remains uncertain, the DOJ and Attorney General Pam Bondi are required to begin publishing the records by December 19.

This ruling follows statements from attorneys representing Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who plan to soon submit a court petition challenging her detention. If successful, Maxwell could be granted a new trial. Her legal team, however, opposed the release of grand jury materials, arguing it could create undue prejudice and compromise the fairness of any potential retrial.

Maxwell was previously convicted of aiding Epstein in the sexual exploitation of minors and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Earlier this week, House Oversight Democrats released images from Epsteins U.S. Virgin Islands estate. The photographs depict the word power scrawled in chalk on walls and masks of mens faces displayed in a dental suite. Representative Robert Garcia, the committees top Democrat, stated that the images provide a disturbing glimpse into Epsteins activities and aim to enhance public transparency about the investigation.

Alongside the file release, Trump instructed Bondi to investigate Epsteins ties to prominent Democrats, including former President Clinton and former Harvard University President Larry Summers. A DOJ memo concluded that no evidence was found that could support charges against uncharged third parties.

Previously released documents contained emails from Epstein referencing Trump, including claims that Trump knew about the girls. Trump has consistently denied any involvement or wrongdoing.

Author: Gavin Porter