Rabat – A US federal judge has refused a Department of Justice request to unseal grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case, noting that the government already holds extensive material that could be shared if it chose to do so.
Judge Richard Berman’s ruling on Wednesday echoes a similar decision in the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s late associate and central figure in his network of abuse.
Berman noted that the grand jury transcripts “pale in comparison” to the investigative files already in the Justice Department’s hands.
The judge also noted that no victims testified before the grand jury. The only witness called was a federal law enforcement agent with no direct knowledge of the case.
Berman confirmed that other materials, including a PowerPoint presentation and a phone log, would remain sealed.
The Trump administration has faced intense criticism over its handling of Epstein-related information.
Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, maintained a long-standing relationship with US President Donald Trump, a connection that has fueled public concern and scrutiny.
Critics have questioned why the government has not released more records, despite earlier assurances from some Trump officials that all relevant material would become public.
Tensions heightened after the Justice Department announced it would not provide additional details about alleged “Epstein files” containing names of clients and associates.
Media outlets reported that Trump had been briefed by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi that his own name appeared on the list, sparking outrage among the public, including some of his own supporters.
Epstein’s death in federal custody, officially ruled a suicide, continues to provoke fascination and distrust.
His ties to powerful political and economic figures remain a subject of speculation, particularly among those who have followed the case for years.
