A Third Judge Now Approves Release of Epstein Files Materials

In a significant development in the long-running saga surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, a federal judge has become the third to approve the Justice Department’s request to unseal grand jury records and other sealed evidence from the government’s files on the late financier and convicted sex offender.

U.S. District Judge Richard Berman, who oversaw Epstein’s 2019 criminal case in New York, issued a four-page order on Tuesday granting the DOJ’s motion.

This ruling paves the way for the public disclosure of materials that have remained hidden for years, citing a new law aimed at transparency in Epstein-related investigations.

The FrankNez Media Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

– FNM

Berman’s decision follows quickly on the heels of similar approvals in connected cases, marking what appears to be the final judicial hurdle before a broader release of documents.

What the Judge Said

In his order, Berman emphasized the clear intent of Congress through the recently passed Epstein Files Transparency Act.

“The ‘plain language’ of the Epstein Files Transparency Act unequivocally intends to make public Epstein grand jury materials and discovery materials covered by the Epstein Protective Order,” Berman wrote.

He granted the motion “in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and with the unequivocal right of Epstein victims to have their identify and privacy protected.”

Berman, who handled Epstein’s arraignment in 2019 and ordered him detained pending trial, highlighted the importance of safeguarding alleged victims’ privacy and safety even as the records are prepared for release.

There are Now Three Rulings For the Release of the Epstein Files Materials

This is the third—and likely final—such ruling on DOJ motions to lift secrecy restrictions tied to Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Just one day earlier, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer approved the release of grand jury materials and other nonpublic evidence from Maxwell’s criminal case.

Prior to that, U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith granted a similar request for records from the initial federal investigation of Epstein in Florida during the mid-2000’s—a probe that ended controversially with a lenient plea deal.

These approvals come after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act last month, which overrode traditional grand jury secrecy rules specifically for these materials.

The law was signed by President Trump and requires the DOJ to disclose unclassified records, with protections for victims.

Why This Matters Now

Epstein, arrested in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges, died by suicide in jail that August while awaiting trial.

Maxwell was later convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for abuse, and she is currently serving a 20-year sentence.

Efforts to unseal these grand jury materials had been blocked earlier in the year, with judges noting that secrecy laws left no room for disclosure despite public interest.

The new act changed that landscape, compelling the DOJ to act.

With all three judges now on board, attention turns to the DOJ’s preparation of thousands of pages for release, including necessary redactions to protect victims.

Some reports indicate a potential deadline as soon as December 19 for compliance.

Victims have expressed mixed views in court filings—supporting transparency in some cases but raising concerns about privacy and the government’s handling of the process.

As these documents edge closer to public view, they could shed more light on one of the most scrutinized criminal cases in recent history, though experts caution that much of the core information may already be known from trials and prior releases.

Also Read: Officials Blow Whistle on Illegal Orders Given by the President

Contact | About | Home | Newsletter