Files Vanish from Epstein Document Portal
Multiple documents vanished from the Justice Department's public webpage containing materials related to Jeffrey Epstein within hours of their posting. Among the removed files was an image featuring former President Donald Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump, and Ghislaine Maxwell. The disappearance occurred between Friday and Saturday without official explanation or public notification.
The Justice Department has not clarified whether the removal was intentional or provided reasons for taking down the materials. A department spokesperson did not immediately respond to inquiries about the incident.
Transparency Questions Intensify
The unexplained removal has fueled speculation about what was taken down and why authorities failed to notify the public. House Oversight Committee Democrats highlighted the missing Trump photograph in a social media post, demanding greater transparency for American citizens.
This development adds to existing concerns about the Justice Department's document release, which many anticipated would provide significant new information about Epstein's crimes and the handling of his case.
Missing Key Records
The initial document disclosures, spanning tens of thousands of pages, omitted crucial materials including FBI interviews with victims and internal Justice Department memos regarding charging decisions. These records could have explained how investigators approached the case and why Epstein received relatively lenient treatment in 2008.
The releases also failed to reference several prominent figures long associated with Epstein, such as Britain's former Prince Andrew, raising questions about the completeness of the disclosure.
New Details Emerge
Among the newly revealed information is insight into the Justice Department's decision to abandon an investigation into Epstein during the 2000s, which enabled his state-level plea agreement. The documents also include a previously unseen 1996 complaint accusing Epstein of stealing photographs of children.
Much of the released material consists of images from Epstein's properties in New York City and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with photographs featuring celebrities and politicians. While numerous photos of former President Bill Clinton appeared, images of Trump were notably scarce.
Release Process Draws Criticism
Despite a congressional deadline requiring full disclosure by Friday, the Justice Department announced it would release records gradually over time. Officials cited the time-consuming process of redacting victims' names and personal information as justification for the staggered approach.
This methodology has frustrated Epstein accusers and congressional members who advocated for the transparency law. Marina Lacerda, who alleges Epstein began sexually abusing her at age 14, expressed disappointment, stating she feels "again the DOJ, the justice system is failing us."
Document Limitations
Many of the released records had previously appeared in court filings, congressional releases, or freedom of information requests. While now consolidated in one publicly accessible location, numerous documents were heavily redacted or lacked necessary context.
A 119-page document labeled "Grand Jury-NY" was completely blacked out, while other materials provided limited explanatory information about their contents or significance.
Revelations About Case Handling
The most substantial new records indicate federal prosecutors possessed what appeared to be a strong case against Epstein in 2007 but never pursued federal charges. Grand jury transcripts released for the first time include testimony from FBI agents describing interviews with multiple girls and young women who reported being paid for sexual activities with Epstein.
One witness testified about recruiting other girls for Epstein, explaining she received $200 for each recruit and advised underage girls to claim they were 18.
Prosecutorial Decisions Examined
The documents contain a transcript of Justice Department lawyers interviewing Alexander Acosta, the former U.S. attorney who oversaw the case, about his decision not to bring federal charges. Acosta, who later served as labor secretary under President Trump, cited concerns about whether a jury would believe Epstein's accusers.
He also noted the Justice Department might have been hesitant to pursue a federal prosecution for what could be viewed as straddling the line between sex trafficking and soliciting prostitution, matters typically handled at the state level. "I'm not saying it was the right view," Acosta added, acknowledging that public attitudes toward victims have evolved significantly since that time.
