Judicial Decision: Grand Jury Files in Epstein Case to be Released

Thu Dec 11 2025 10:42:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A New York federal judge has ruled that grand jury records related to Jeffrey Epstein's case can now be made public, following a new law aimed at enhancing transparency.

The judge's recent ruling reverses an earlier decision, allowing the U.S. Department of Justice to release grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case. This follows the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of certain investigative materials by December 19, 2025, while also protecting victims' privacy. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, faced severe allegations of sexual misconduct and trafficking. The case continues to draw public attention amid ongoing discussions about transparency in high-profile investigations.

A federal judge in New York has ruled the US Department of Justice can publicly release grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case. US District Judge Richard Berman's ruling reverses his previous decision to keep the material sealed. He cited a new law passed by Congress requiring the justice department to release files about Epstein.

In his latest ruling, Judge Berman emphasized that victims deserve to have their identity and privacy protected, stating that their safety and privacy are paramount.

Esptein was charged with sex trafficking in July 2019. He died in a New York prison cell a month later while awaiting trial.

Initially, Judge Berman denied the justice department's request to release the materials due to concerns about possible threats to victims' safety and privacy. However, with the passing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Trump last month, he concluded that the materials could now be released.

The law requires the justice department to make investigative material regarding Epstein public by December 19, including unclassified records, documents, and communications, while allowing the exclusion of files tied to ongoing criminal investigations or privacy issues.

Judge Berman's decision is part of a series of similar rulings made by federal judges in light of the new transparency legislation. On the same day, another federal judge made a related decision in the case against Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for her role in facilitating Epstein's abuse.

The Trump administration has faced continued pressure concerning the Epstein files, as Trump previously claimed to have distanced himself from Epstein long before criminal charges were leveled against him. In a surprising shift, Trump signed the transparency law, which has been hailed by victims' advocates.

Currently, the files mandated for public release differ from other previously released documents, as they are focused on further investigative insights into Epstein’s actions and connections.