DOJ Needs ‘Few More Weeks’ to Release Epstein Files Amid Scrutiny

UPDATE: The Justice Department has just announced that it may require a few more weeks to fully release its records on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This startling revelation comes after officials uncovered over one million additional documents potentially linked to Epstein, further delaying compliance with a congressionally mandated deadline that expired last Friday.

This announcement, made on December 27, 2023, follows intense scrutiny from a coalition of U.S. senators who are demanding accountability from the Justice Department regarding its handling of Epstein-related records. A letter signed by 11 Democrats and 1 Republican urged Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume to investigate what they describe as a failure to meet the deadline, emphasizing that victims “deserve full disclosure” and the “peace of mind” of an independent audit.

The Justice Department revealed via social media that both federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the FBI have discovered this substantial volume of documents, a surprising turn of events after months of assurances that a thorough review of available materials had already been completed. Earlier this year, Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, stated that a “truckload of evidence” had been compiled following her directive to deliver a complete set of Epstein files.

Earlier today, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche noted that Manhattan prosecutors had already obtained more than 3.6 million records related to Epstein’s sex trafficking investigations. However, many of these were duplicates of documents previously released by the FBI. The Justice Department is currently working around the clock to review the new documents while ensuring compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of Epstein-related files.

“We will release the documents as soon as possible,” the Justice Department stated, noting that due to the “mass volume of material,” the review process is expected to take additional weeks. This delay has drawn sharp criticism among lawmakers, including Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who accused the DOJ of breaking the law by making illegal redactions and missing the release deadline.

The controversy escalated further when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the DOJ’s announcement a “Christmas Eve news dump” and called for immediate clarity on what information the department is withholding. “Americans deserve answers: WHAT are they hiding — and WHY?” Schumer demanded.

In defense of the Justice Department’s actions, the White House expressed confidence in the handling of the Epstein records, with a spokesperson asserting that the administration is committed to transparency.

The Justice Department has released some initial records, including photographs, transcripts, and call logs, but many documents were either already public or heavily redacted. Noteworthy among the newly released materials are grand jury testimony transcripts from FBI agents who interviewed multiple victims, revealing disturbing accounts of Epstein’s operations.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on the forthcoming documents and the implications they may carry for Epstein’s victims and the broader public. The ongoing scrutiny from lawmakers indicates that the pressure on the Justice Department is far from over, with potential legal actions on the horizon to ensure compliance with the transparency requirements.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.