‘The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network,’ Bondi said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi declassified and publicly released the first phase of files related to the investigation and conviction of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Feb. 27 after the Justice Department head caught the FBI withholding some of the documents.
Bondi released the first batch of files on Thursday in conjunction with the FBI. Epstein was convicted of sexually abusing and exploiting more than 250 underage girls in his homes in New York, Florida, and other locations. The initial batch of files contains “documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government,” according to the Justice Department.
“This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,” Bondi said in a statement.
“The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.”
The release contains documents that have largely been circulating in the public domain for years and did not include significant revelations about Epstein and his operations.
The batch of files includes copies of logs from the wealthy financier’s private plane, which have long been accessible in various court cases, and a photocopy of an address book with significant redactions that was seemingly complied by Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and has been reported on by the media for many years.
Within the documents was also a redacted list of masseuses in states including Florida, New Mexico, and California, and an evidence list with more than 150 items. The list includes nude images, massage tables, adult toys, and other items. There was no indication of whether the list was created during Epstein’s court case, Maxwell’s, or another investigation.
While the Justice Department said it was releasing the documents publicly to show its commitment to transparency, the lack of new information garnered criticism from lawmakers.
“I nor the task force were given or reviewed the Epstein documents being released today… A NY Post story just revealed that the documents will simply be Epstein’s phonebook,” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) wrote in a post on X after the files were released.
Luna called the release a “complete disappointment” and suggested the disclosure was not what the American public asked for in demanding transparency on Epstein.
“Get us the information we asked for!” she wrote in capital letters.
Bondi had said earlier on Thursday that she found the FBI withholding some files related to Epstein’s case, and sent a letter to Kash Patel, the new director, giving the bureau until 8 a.m. Friday to deliver all remaining files to the Justice Department.
“There will be no withholdings or limitations to my or your access,” she wrote.
By Jacob Burg
