Justice Department Seeks Epstein Testimony

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday submitted a petition to a federal judge in Manhattan, requesting testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein’s prosecution.

Federal prosecutors filed this request in the U.S. District Court for Manhattan. Epstein, who was awaiting trial on serious sex trafficking charges, died by suicide in his prison cell six years ago. A medical examiner in New York City officially ruled his death a suicide.

Additionally, the DOJ is asking the court to seal testimony from a major trial connected to Epstein’s long-time associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted in 2021 for her involvement in Epstein’s sex trafficking operations. She is currently appealing her conviction.

This court application follows a social media announcement from former President Donald Trump the night before, which permitted Attorney General Pam Bondy to withhold court approval and release relevant trial testimony. An internal DOJ memo issued in July stated that investigators found no evidence of criminal activity related to Epstein’s “client list” or any credible threats against a high-profile individual.

The request to seal Epstein’s testimony is currently with Judge Richard M. Berman, who has been on the federal bench since 1998 after being appointed by former President Bill Clinton.