A federal judge in New York granted the Justice Department’s request to release grand jury transcripts and other materials related to Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking case. The new law mandates the government to open files on Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell, but the judge cautioned that these documents may not reveal significant new information. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer clarified that the materials do not implicate anyone other than Epstein and Maxwell in sexual contact with minors, nor do they expose any unidentified clients or new methods of their crimes.
Engelmayer’s ruling came after the Justice Department sought to lift secrecy orders following the recent law’s enactment. This decision marks the second instance of judicial action since the Epstein Files Transparency Act created an exception to keep grand jury proceedings confidential. The law, signed by President Donald Trump, mandates the release of Epstein-related records by a specified date.
The Justice Department plans to disclose various investigative materials, including search warrants, financial records, victim interview notes, and electronic device data, as part of the extensive sex trafficking probe. Epstein, a wealthy financier, faced sex trafficking charges before his death in 2019, while Maxwell, a British socialite, was convicted in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence.
The government intends to collaborate with victims and their legal representatives to redact sensitive information and protect identities. Despite concerns raised by Maxwell’s lawyer about potential prejudice, efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in Epstein’s case continue to gain support from accusers and advocates.