Epstein Grand Jury Records Released Under New Law

US judge orders release of Jeffrey Epstein grand jury records from 2019, citing new law protecting victims’ privacy.

A federal judge in New York has ruled that grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case can now be made public. This reverses a previous decision to keep them sealed.

New Law Prompts Release

Judge Richard Berman cited the Epstein Files Transparency Act, recently signed into law, which requires the Department of Justice to release unclassified records, documents, and communications related to Epstein by 19 December. Files may still be withheld if they involve active investigations or privacy concerns.

Victims’ Privacy Remains Key

The judge emphasized that protecting victims’ identity and privacy is paramount. Earlier, Berman had denied the release due to safety and privacy concerns, but the new law prompted this reversal.

Background on Epstein and Maxwell

Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in July 2019 and died in a New York prison cell a month later. Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in 2021 for helping Epstein recruit and groom underage girls, is serving a 20-year sentence.

Trump Administration and the Files

Former President Trump, who had connections to Epstein, faced pressure to release documents. After earlier releasing flight logs, Trump signed the new law in November, requiring the Justice Department to make additional materials public. Families of victims described this move as “monumental.”

Previous Document Releases

Earlier releases by congressional committees included images of Epstein’s US Virgin Islands home, showing bedrooms, a dental chair, and unusual wall markings. These documents highlighted the locations where survivors alleged abuse occurred.