DOJ Moves to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Transcripts Amid Expert Skepticism

The Justice Department has formally requested federal courts to unseal grand jury transcripts from the prosecutions of chronic sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the move underscores the administration’s commitment to “transparency to the American public.” This request follows a period of heightened scrutiny for the administration, which previously faced criticism for not releasing additional files from the Epstein probe despite earlier commitments.

However, former federal prosecutors are largely skeptical that the unsealed documents will provide significant new revelations. Attorneys Sarah Krissoff and Joshua Naftalis, both former Manhattan federal prosecutors, contend that grand jury presentations are typically concise, containing only the minimal information required for an indictment, rather than a comprehensive investigative file. Krissoff described the request as a “distraction,” questioning its true intent and predicting that judges may ultimately reject the government’s petition, citing ongoing appeals and the critical need to protect victim identities.

The timing of the request, made just two days after the firing of Manhattan Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, who was involved in the Epstein and Maxwell cases, has also drawn concern among former prosecutors. Some view the direct involvement of Washington Justice Department officials in a Southern District of New York case as unprecedented and potentially indicative of political interference. Legal experts anticipate that judges will deliberate for weeks or even months before ruling on the unsealing request, carefully balancing public interest against the long-standing tradition of grand jury secrecy and victim protection.

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