Draft Indictments and DOJ Internal Records
The release also includes previously unpublished draft indictments from the mid-2000s. One 56-page draft proposed 30 criminal counts against Epstein and three unnamed assistants, including charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy, and enticement of minors. Another separate 60-count draft indictment was prepared by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida in 2007.
Despite these drafts, Epstein was never federally prosecuted in Florida, as then-U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta negotiated a plea deal allowing him to plead guilty to two state prostitution charges. The DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility later described Acosta’s handling of the case as showing “poor judgment.”
Legislative Oversight and Transparency Concerns
Congressional oversight remains active. Rep. Ro Khanna, a co-sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, expressed concern that roughly half of the identified documents—over 6 million pages—remain unreleased. Khanna stated that withholding records undermines public trust and shields potentially powerful individuals implicated in Epstein’s network.
Rep. Thomas Massie, another lead sponsor, requested access to unredacted files, including victim interviews, draft indictments, and internal DOJ memoranda, to fully assess government handling of the cases. Meanwhile, California Rep. Robert Garcia, top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, criticized the Trump administration for allegedly failing to release all records as required by law.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the DOJ’s review did not aim to protect any individual, including former President Trump. He said the goal was to ensure that all releases were legally compliant and sensitive to survivors’ privacy.
