Lawyer for Epstein's alleged victims criticizes DOJ document release in scathing letter

Earlier this month, the House Oversight Committee made public a large collection of files and emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Attorneys representing Epsteins alleged victims reported to a federal judge that the disclosure caused widespread panic because it contained dozens of unredacted victim names.

One alleged victim expressed confusion and distress to attorneys Bradley Edwards and Brittany Henderson of Edwards Henderson law firm, stating, I thought the government had promised to redact our names and identifying material. I don't understand how this is happening again. Another alleged victim described the governments oversight as incomprehensible and emotionally devastating. One wrote that the situation has left them unable to function or sleep.

Federal Judge Moves to Expedite Review of DOJ Handling

The Department of Justice faces a December 19 deadline to release hundreds of thousands of Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Attorneys for the victims requested that a federal judge order the DOJ to enhance its review policies to prevent future exposure of sensitive victim information.

These women are not political pawns. They are mothers, wives, and daughters, the attorneys wrote in a filing to U.S. District Judge Richard Berman. They are human beings who have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to feel safe and protected by our country, which has failed them repeatedly.

Scope of Unredacted Information

The attorneys stated that the House Oversight release included unredacted names and personal details of dozens of victims, some of whom were minors at the time of their abuse. One document alone reportedly contained 28 unredacted victim names. The filing suggested the DOJ may either be unaware of all Epstein victims or failing to protect them intentionally.

Push for Transparency and Accountability

The attorneys criticized the DOJs redaction process as unacceptable, highlighting that in July the department acknowledged Epstein had harmed over 1,000 victims. They requested the court confirm that all known victims identities were properly redacted before the files were shared with Congress.

They warned that the DOJs explanations would likely be inconsistent with the number of victims it publicly acknowledged, ranging from incoherent to misleading. The filing also noted that victims have been unable to engage with the DOJ to prevent future disclosures.

Concerns Over Grand Jury Materials

The attorneys questioned the DOJs focus on a limited set of grand jury materials from Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell prosecutions, calling it a distraction from full transparency. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding victims while providing public access to the broader collection of documents.

Judge Orders DOJ to Detail Redaction Process

Edwards Henderson requested that Judge Berman compel the DOJ to outline which documents they intend to release and the method for redacting victim names. The judge responded by requiring the DOJ, by noon December 1, to submit a detailed description of both the materials and the privacy measures being applied.

In a separate filing, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated his office would coordinate with counsel for known victims on redactions. He also clarified that the documents to be released include witness interview notes, search warrants, financial and travel records, grand jury subpoenas, school records, estate materials, and law enforcement files.

Author: Sophia Brooks