The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently reviewing over 5.2 million pages of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. According to government documents, the extensive review requires the assistance of approximately 400 lawyers from four different DOJ offices, with the effort expected to last until late January.
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier, was accused of running a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. He died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. The vast amount of documentation stems from investigations into his alleged crimes and associated individuals.
The document review is likely to extend the timeline for the final release of these files. The Trump administration had previously ordered the DOJ to release documents pertaining to the criminal investigations of Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses and sex trafficking. This order was in compliance with a transparency law passed by Congress last month.
The Criminal Division, the National Security Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan are collectively providing the 400 lawyers needed for the review. The DOJ is offering remote work options and leave incentives to encourage participation. Lawyers assisting with the review are expected to dedicate 3 to 5 hours daily, reviewing approximately one thousand documents each day.
Last week, the Justice Department disclosed that it had already released more than one million documents potentially linked to Epstein. However, the documents have been heavily redacted, drawing criticism from some Republicans. The redactions have done little to quell the scandal, which continues to pose a challenge ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The bipartisan transparency law mandates the release of all Epstein-related files, despite previous efforts to keep them sealed.
The ongoing review underscores the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the Epstein case, highlighting the Justice Department’s commitment to transparency while navigating legal and ethical considerations. The release of these documents is expected to shed further light on the extent of Epstein’s alleged crimes and the individuals involved.
