Congress Moves to Force SDNY Disclosure
Newly released government records confirm what Epstein survivors and investigators suspected: the U.S. Department of Justice once anticipated criminal charges against 10 Epstein co-conspirators — and then failed to bring them.
The individuals remain unnamed and the identities are remain redacted.
To date, the files explaining why charges were abandoned remain sealed.
Now, Congress is stepping in to look for answers.
DOJ Documents Confirm Anticipated Epstein Co-Conspirator Charges
Among the limited Epstein materials issued by the United States Department of Justice is a document stating prosecutors “anticipated” filing charges against 10 individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking operation.
No indictments followed.
The reference appears in files held by the Southern District of New York.
- The document’s content confirms prosecutorial intent
- It acknowledges identified co-conspirators
- It provides no explanation for the decision not to proceed
For transparency advocates, this raises questions about prosecutorial discretion, political interference, and institutional protection of powerful offenders.
Congressional Intervention Targets SDNY Epstein Files
Congressman Ro Khanna has announced a direct congressional intervention aimed at compelling the SDNY to release the remaining Epstein documents.
Speaking to NPR, Khanna said lawmakers will seek judicial oversight via a special master — an independent authority empowered to review and release records without political interference.
“We’re now going to be intervening with the Southern District of New York to ask those judges to appoint a special master and ensure that all the documents are released.”
— NPR interview
Despite Congress mandating release of the Epstein files by December 19, the DOJ disclosed only a small portion. Many documents were heavily — and, critics argue, unlawfully — redacted.
Then, on December 24, the DOJ announced it had located nearly one million additional Epstein-related documentsstill held by SDNY prosecutors.
Why the Epstein Co-Conspirator Question Won’t Go Away
Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse network was never limited to one man. Court records, survivor testimony, and prosecutions have already established the involvement of multiple facilitators and enablers.
Previously identified Epstein associates frequently cited in court filings and media investigations include:
- Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in 2021 for sex trafficking and conspiracy
- Lesley Groff, Epstein’s longtime assistant and estate manager
- Sarah Kellen, Epstein’s former assistant named repeatedly in civil litigation
These individuals are not alleged here to be among the 10 unnamed co-conspirators referenced in DOJ documents. Their inclusion reflects their established presence in Epstein-related court records, underscoring why the existence of additional, unidentified actors is so significant.
The DOJ’s own language confirms that others were identified — and charges were contemplated.
Oversight, Contempt, and DOJ Accountability
Khanna has also confirmed that Congress is exploring contempt proceedings against Pam Bondi should the DOJ continue to withhold records.
Under the proposal:
- A 30-day grace period would apply
- Daily fines could be imposed personally
- Escalation could include impeachment proceedings
“Our interest is not to take down Pam Bondi,” Khanna said.
“Our interest is to take down the rich and powerful men who abused survivors and to finally see justice.”
Why Epstein DOJ Transparency Matters
The revelation that prosecutors once expected to charge 10 Epstein co-conspirators fundamentally alters the public understanding of the case.
It suggests:
- Evidence existed beyond Epstein and Maxwell
- Charging decisions were halted, not disproven
- Survivors were denied transparency — and potentially justice
As pressure builds on the DOJ and SDNY, the focus is no longer on speculation, but on documented prosecutorial intent.
Who Was Jeffrey Epstein 
Leave a Reply