Federal judge grants justice department request to unseal Jeffrey Epstein grand jury documents – US politics live

A federal judge granted the Justice Department's request to unseal grand jury documents from the 2019 Jeffrey Epstein investigation, citing the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Act, which requires the DOJ to release all Epstein records by December 19th, prompted the judge, Richard M. Berman, to make the ruling. Representative Ro Khanna, a co-sponsor of the Act, stated that the order demonstrates American democracy is functioning, as previous judicial roadblocks to releasing the information have been overcome. The unsealing of these files is expected to provide greater transparency regarding the Epstein case.

A federal judge in New York has ruled that grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case can be released to the public. Judge Richard Berman reversed his previous decision due to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a new law requiring the Justice Department to release investigative materials related to Epstein by December 19th. The law allows the department to withhold files involving active investigations or privacy concerns, prioritizing the safety and privacy of victims. This ruling follows similar decisions by other federal judges regarding Epstein-related cases, including one involving Ghislaine Maxwell and another concerning a 2005-2007 investigation in Florida. The Justice Department had requested the release of the records.

A federal judge in New York has ruled that grand jury materials from Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking investigation can be unsealed by the Justice Department. The ruling is due to a new law requiring the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein by December 19th. The court will implement measures to protect victims' privacy. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting underage girls for Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. Maxwell's legal team did not oppose the release. A similar ruling was made in Florida regarding documents from a 2005 state investigation into Epstein. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November, mandates the release of unclassified records related to Epstein and Maxwell, though some files may be withheld for privacy or ongoing investigations.

A US federal judge approved the Justice Department's request to unseal grand jury documents from Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking case in December 2025. Judge Paul Engelmayer cautioned that the files contain little new information regarding Epstein's or Maxwell's crimes, clients, or methods. The release is enabled by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed by Congress in November 2025, which creates an exemption to grand jury secrecy. The law was signed by President Donald Trump, who initially opposed the act but later supported it, stating there was "nothing to hide." Grand jury materials typically include court transcripts and are usually sealed to protect witness testimony and ensure fair justice.

A federal judge in New York ruled that the Justice Department can publicly release investigative materials from the Ghislaine Maxwell sex-trafficking case. The ruling follows the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the Justice Department to release Epstein-related records in a searchable format by December 19th. This decision allows for the potential release of grand jury transcripts, exhibits, and other investigative materials, including search warrants, financial records, and survivor interview notes. A Florida judge also recently granted a similar request to release transcripts from a previous Epstein investigation. The Justice Department stated that Congress intended for this unsealing when passing the transparency act. Maxwell, convicted of sex-trafficking charges in 2021, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

A US judge has ordered the unsealing of grand jury transcripts from the 2005 and 2007 investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, following a request from the Justice Department. This action comes after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, compelling the release of unclassified records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The law overrides previous restrictions on grand jury material disclosure. The Justice Department is also seeking to unseal documents from Epstein's 2019 and Maxwell's 2021 sex-trafficking cases in New York. The newly enacted law requires the Justice Department, FBI, and federal prosecutors to disclose the materials by December 19, though some information may be withheld to protect victims or ongoing investigations.

Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring, plans to file a petition seeking her release from prison, according to a recent court filing. The filing, made on Wednesday, did not specify the legal grounds for her petition, but indicated she will pursue it without legal representation. The petition comes as scrutiny increases on Epstein's crimes and associates, particularly following a new law requiring the release of government records related to Epstein. The filing also cautioned against releasing documents related to Maxwell's case, citing potential prejudice to a fair retrial if her petition succeeds. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while in jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.