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Jeffrey Epstein Investigation and Fallout

Release of Epstein files naming powerful figures, DOJ follow-on investigations, and political and institutional fallout globally

Harvard, Bard Face Fresh Congressional Questions on Epstein Ties

Illustration accompanying article: Harvard, Bard Face Fresh Congressional Questions on Epstein Ties
  • Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, sent letters to Harvard University and Bard College on June 17 demanding records on their ties to Jeffrey Epstein and criticizing their internal investigations as insufficient.
  • Raskin wrote that Bard’s board review “overlooked deeper institutional flaws,” according to a letter reviewed by the Wall Street Journal.
  • Raskin wrote that the results of Harvard’s 2020 investigation “were at best incomplete,” according to a letter reviewed by the Journal.
  • Raskin asked both schools to turn over records, including communications with Epstein and details of their investigations, by July 1.
 2026-06-17 · 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Democrats call on Vance to testify over Epstein files handling

Commerce Secretary Lutnick testifies to House committee on Epstein ties

2026-05-06

Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s commerce secretary, faced closed-door questioning Wednesday by the House Oversight Committee about his contact with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction involving a minor. The committee chairman said Lutnick was “forthcoming,” while Democrats accused him of lying and evading questions. The interview was not recorded on video, a decision Democrats criticized as limiting scrutiny.

Lutnick tells House panel he did nothing wrong in Epstein ties

2026-05-05

Howard Lutnick, the U.S. commerce secretary, told House Oversight Committee members in a closed-door interview that he did nothing wrong regarding his contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a transcript of the session released by the committee. Republican lawmakers praised Lutnick’s answers as forthcoming, while Democrats accused him of lying or evading questions about earlier meetings and a trip involving Epstein’s private island.

Prosecutors: USF suspect asked ChatGPT about disposing of a body

2026-04-28

Prosecutors say Hisham Abugharbieh, accused in the deaths of two University of South Florida doctoral students from Bangladesh, asked ChatGPT days before they went missing how to dispose of a body. According to a pretrial detention report filed by prosecutors, Abugharbieh also asked the chatbot about changing his car’s vehicle identification number and about keeping a gun at home without a license.

Former Interior secretary Dirk Kempthorne dies at 74

2026-04-26

Former Idaho Gov. and U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne died Friday evening in Boise at age 74, his family said in a written statement Saturday. No cause was given, and the statement said he was diagnosed with colon cancer last year.

Teen charged in death, sexual abuse of stepsister on Carnival cruise

2026-04-14

A 16-year-old boy was charged in federal court in Florida with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a Carnival Cruise ship in international waters, the U.S. Department of Justice said Monday. The Justice Department said the boy, Timothy Hudson, had been indicted after initial charges were filed in February, and a judge later ordered he be prosecuted as an adult.

Melania Trump denies Epstein ties, calls for survivor-centered hearing

2026-04-10

First lady Melania Trump denied any ties to Jeffrey Epstein and knowledge of his sex crimes, saying Thursday that “stories are completely false” and that “smears about me” need to end. Speaking at the White House, she urged Congress to hold a public hearing centered on Epstein survivors and to let victims testify.

How the Epstein files dogged Pam Bondi's time as attorney general

2026-04-04

President Donald Trump on Thursday removed Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general, a move that capped a contentious run over the Justice Department’s handling of the “Epstein files,” the records sought by victims and political allies alike. The files controversy, with its shifting promises and document releases, became a recurring flashpoint during Bondi’s tenure.

Trump removes Pam Bondi as attorney general, names Todd Blanche acting

2026-04-03

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Pam Bondi is out as attorney general, ending a yearlong tenure marked by sharp infighting over Justice Department independence. Trump named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting attorney general while three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press they have discussed Lee Zeldin as a permanent replacement.

Savannah Guthrie recounts Nancy Guthrie kidnapping details on NBC’s Today

2026-03-26

Savannah Guthrie said her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, was likely kidnapped, describing in an interview on NBC’s “Today” how doors were propped open at the Arizona home where Nancy disappeared. Guthrie also recounted making sense of ransom notes, seeing surveillance video of a masked man at the front door, and how family members responded as investigators worked.

Pam Bondi subpoenaed by Congress over Epstein files

2026-03-18

Attorney General Pam Bondi was subpoenaed Tuesday to testify before a Republican-led House committee about the Justice Department’s sex trafficking investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and the agency’s handling of millions of documents tied to Epstein files. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform ordered Bondi to appear for a deposition April 14 after voting earlier this month, with five Republicans supporting the move.

Lawmakers depose Epstein accountant on wealth, business ties

2026-03-12

House Oversight Committee lawmakers on Wednesday deposed Richard Kahn, Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime accountant and an executor of his estate, as they sought details about Epstein’s financial portfolio and ties to wealthy figures. Kahn told lawmakers in a closed-door deposition that he had not personally seen evidence of Epstein’s sexual abuse, according to a summary provided by committee Republicans.

New Mexico prosecutors begin search of Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch

2026-03-10

New Mexico prosecutors and state investigators have begun searching a secluded former Jeffrey Epstein property in New Mexico, the state Attorney General’s office said Tuesday. The search is tied to allegations and federal records that prosecutors say warrant further review. The office said it is proceeding with the cooperation of the current ranch owners.

Alexander Butterfield, Nixon aide who disclosed Watergate tapes, dies at 99

2026-03-10

Alexander Butterfield, the White House aide who disclosed that President Richard Nixon’s Oval Office and Cabinet Room were bugged and that Nixon conversations were routinely recorded, has died. His death was confirmed to The Associated Press by his wife, Kim, and former White House counsel John Dean, who helped expose the Watergate scandal. Butterfield was 99.

Alexander brothers convicted of sex trafficking in Manhattan federal court

2026-03-09

Three brothers — twins Oren and Alon Alexander, 38, and Tal Alexander, 39, once celebrated as two of the nation's most successful luxury real estate brokers — were convicted of sex trafficking Monday in Manhattan federal court following a five-week trial in which 11 women testified they had been sexually assaulted by one or more of the men. The jury foreperson said "guilty" 19 straight times. Judge Valerie E. Caproni set sentencing for Aug. 6 on convictions that could keep the brothers behind bars for the rest of their lives.

DOJ releases previously withheld Epstein files with uncorroborated Trump accusation

2026-03-05

The Justice Department on Thursday released additional Jeffrey Epstein files that had been inadvertently withheld, including records of FBI interviews with a woman who made uncorroborated accusations against President Donald Trump. The department said the files were incorrectly coded as duplicative during an earlier review, resulting in their omission from a larger tranche of Epstein-related documents made public earlier.

Hillary Clinton testifies in House probe of Jeffrey Epstein ties

2026-02-27

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told U.S. House lawmakers on Thursday that she had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes and said she did not recall encountering Epstein. The closed-door deposition, held in the Clintons’ hometown of Chappaqua, New York, concluded after more than six hours of questions, starting off a two-day round of testimony that also includes former President Bill Clinton.

Justice Department to review whether Epstein files were mistakenly withheld

2026-02-26

The Justice Department said it is reviewing whether it improperly withheld documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, after news reports and lawmakers said some FBI interview summaries involving an allegation against President Donald Trump were missing from released records. In a post on X, the department said it will publish any responsive documents found to be withheld, consistent with a law requiring release.

Maxwell lawyers challenge law forcing Epstein-files release

2026-02-21

Lawyers for imprisoned British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell filed papers Friday in Manhattan federal court seeking to block the release of more than 90,000 pages of documents related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The lawyers argue that a new law mandating the disclosure violates the Constitution's separation of powers doctrine.

Judge declares 4 men wrongly accused in 1991 Austin yogurt-shop murders innocent

2026-02-19

A Texas judge on Thursday declared four men wrongfully accused of the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders innocent, following an investigation that identified a previously unknown killer who later died. Prosecutors apologized in court and said they were wrong about Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott, while the order also addressed the cases of Forrest Welborn and Maurice Pierce.

Paris prosecutors open Epstein-related probes into sex abuse, finances

2026-02-19

Paris prosecutors opened two new investigations into potential sex abuse crimes and financial wrongdoing linked to Jeffrey Epstein and urged possible victims to come forward, AP reported. Prosecutor Laurence Beccuau said investigators will rely on U.S. government files released about Epstein as well as media reporting and new complaints. The probes involve specialized magistrates and follow the U.S. Justice Department’s release of more than 3 million pages of documents, along with thousands of videos and photos tied to Epstein.

New Mexico launches “truth commission” into Epstein ranch allegations

2026-02-18

New Mexico lawmakers launched a “truth commission” investigation Tuesday into past activity at Jeffrey Epstein’s secluded Zorro Ranch, including allegations that the ranch facilitated sexual abuse and sex trafficking. The bipartisan, four-member panel of state House representatives will also examine why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender in New Mexico after his 2008 guilty plea involving an underage girl.

Kathy Ruemmler to resign as Goldman top lawyer after Epstein emails

2026-02-16

Kathy Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs’s general counsel, said she plans to resign after emails and correspondence reviewed by The Associated Press depict close ties with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Ruemmler, 54, announced the resignation plan on Thursday, after previously characterizing her relationship with Epstein as strictly professional.

Video from Nancy Guthrie's porch could help identify masked suspect

2026-02-14

Investigators are analyzing publicly released video from Nancy Guthrie’s porch in Arizona that shows a masked man before she was reported missing, with the FBI saying it can narrow tips by identifying details such as a backpack. Former law enforcement officials who reviewed the footage said digital enhancements can reveal maker details and other clues that may help build a physical and behavioral profile.

Investigators in Nancy Guthrie case review thousands of tips after videos

2026-02-14

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI received more than 4,000 calls within 24 hours after releasing videos of a masked person on Nancy Guthrie’s porch, officials said Thursday. With the disappearance reported in late January, investigators said they are continuing to gather evidence, including gloves and DNA, while fielding tips through a 24-hour review operation.

Bondi clashes with House Judiciary as Epstein files fight spills over

2026-02-12

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday during a heated House Judiciary Committee hearing focused on the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, as she defended President Donald Trump and accused critics of distracting from the administration’s record.

Yale suspends professor from teaching while reviewing his Epstein correspondence

2026-02-12

Yale University said a prominent computer science professor will not teach while it reviews conduct after newly released U.S. Justice Department documents showed he emailed Jeffrey Epstein recommending an undergraduate using appearance-based language. The university said the professor’s conduct is under review and will not teach his class until the review is completed.

200 World War II love letters from Nashville displayed online

2026-02-12

The Nashville Public Library is making public a digital display of more than 200 love letters tracing the wartime courtship of William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean, a couple whose romance unfolded as World War II reshaped their lives. The letters were found in a Nashville home and donated to the Metro Nashville Archives in 2016.

Few leads in Nancy Guthrie case after 11 days; investigators seek tips

2026-02-12

Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie in the foothills outside Tucson, Arizona, said Wednesday that 11 days after the 84-year-old went missing they still had not identified a suspect or even a person of interest. The lack of progress has drawn pressure as authorities released surveillance video of a masked man at Guthrie’s doorstep and later detained a person for questioning, only to release him hours afterward, an Associated Press review found.

What to know about Anna Kepner’s cruise ship death and investigation

2026-02-12

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy under investigation in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, appeared in federal court in South Florida late last week, but the case details were largely closed because of the defendant’s age. Authorities have not publicly said whether the teenager has been charged, and juvenile cases in federal court are rare. Kepner’s death was ruled a homicide, according to the investigation described in court materials and reporting.

Howard Lutnick says he met Epstein twice after his 2008 conviction

2026-02-11

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged during a Senate hearing Tuesday that he met Jeffrey Epstein twice after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, reversing Lutnick’s earlier statements that he had cut ties with Epstein after 2005. Lutnick also told lawmakers he and his family had lunch with Epstein on Epstein’s private island in 2012 and had another engagement at Epstein’s home in 2011, while responding to questions after “Epstein files” case material and Democrats’ scrutiny.

FBI says it retrieved “residual data” from Nest camera after Nancy Guthrie abduction

2026-02-11

Video showing an armed, masked person at Nancy Guthrie’s doorstep has raised new questions about how long it took investigators to release footage and what the episode means for privacy, after the FBI said it recovered the video days later from “residual data located in backend systems.” The footage was reportedly connected to a Nest camera and emerged after local and federal officials initially said the camera was disconnected and that the homeowner did not have an active subscription.

Nancy Guthrie family timeline: videos shift from ransom talk to FBI images

2026-02-11

The family of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has posted a series of videos on Instagram since she disappeared in Arizona, starting with pleas for contact and moving to increasingly urgent appeals for help as the FBI released surveillance images. On Feb. 10, Savannah Guthrie posted an FBI video and images of a masked person authorities say tampered with a camera on Guthrie’s front porch the night she went missing, and she urged anyone who recognizes the person to contact law enforcement.

King Charles III says palace will back police probe into Prince Andrew

2026-02-11

King Charles III said Buckingham Palace is ready to cooperate if Thames Valley Police investigates allegations involving Prince Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein. The palace said the king has “unprecedented” concern about allegations that have continued to surface as U.S. Justice Department files are released.

FBI records say it found scant evidence of Epstein trafficking ring

2026-02-10

In a review of Justice Department internal records, the FBI said it found scant evidence that Jeffrey Epstein ran a sex-trafficking ring serving powerful men, even as agents compiled evidence that he sexually abused underage girls. The Associated Press reports investigators examined bank records, emails, and seized videos and photos from Epstein’s homes and considered leads involving associates and other prominent figures.

Ghislaine Maxwell invokes Fifth Amendment in House deposition

2026-02-10

Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions from House lawmakers during a video deposition Monday, invoking her Fifth Amendment right to silence. She said that if President Donald Trump ended her prison sentence, she would be willing to testify about what she described as wrongdoing involving Trump and Bill Clinton in their connections to Epstein.

King Charles says he will back police probing Prince Andrew Epstein links

2026-02-10

King Charles III said Monday he is ready to “support” UK police assessing allegations involving the former Prince Andrew and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The statement came after Thames Valley Police said it was “assessing” reports that Andrew, who is no longer a working royal, sent sensitive trade-related information to Epstein in 2010.

DOJ plans to interview Ghislaine Maxwell for possible new Epstein info

2026-02-09

The Justice Department plans to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend, as federal investigators seek information she may have about crimes committed against Epstein’s victims. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said on social media that federal agents and prosecutors will hear what Maxwell has to say, “if Ghislane Maxwell has information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims.” Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence after her conviction in the Epstein case.

Jeffrey Epstein files roil Europe as US fallout stays more muted

2026-02-08

Newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents from the U.S. Justice Department have sent political shock waves across Europe, toppling senior figures in multiple countries, while fallout in the United States has been more limited so far. In Britain, Peter Mandelson was fired and faces a possible investigation into misconduct, adding pressure for Prime Minister Keir Starmer as police examine allegations around the ambassador appointment.

DOJ Epstein records show inadequate privacy redactions, AP says

2026-02-08

Fotos de desnudos, nombres y otros datos personales de víctimas de abuso sexual relacionados con Jeffrey Epstein siguieron visibles en archivos del Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos publicados bajo una ley de divulgación, según una revisión realizada por The Associated Press y otras organizaciones periodísticas.

Lawmakers to review unredacted Epstein files at DOJ starting Monday

2026-02-07

The U.S. Department of Justice will let members of Congress review unredacted versions of Jeffrey Epstein-related files it released under a transparency law, starting Monday, according to a letter to lawmakers. Access will require 24 hours’ notice and will be limited to reviewing the documents on Justice Department computers, with lawmakers allowed to take notes but not make electronic copies.

French cultural official Jack Lang resigns over Epstein-linked tax investigation

2026-02-07

France’s former culture minister Jack Lang resigned as head of a Paris cultural center after he was summoned by the French Foreign Ministry over an Epstein-linked tax fraud investigation. His lawyer said Lang denied the allegations. Financial prosecutors said they opened an investigation into Lang and his daughter over alleged “aggravated tax fraud laundering,” after U.S. Justice Department files about Jeffrey Epstein were released Jan. 30.

FBI investigation of Jeffrey Epstein found scant evidence of a trafficking ring

2026-02-07

The FBI collected “ample proof” that Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused underage girls but found “scant evidence” that the financier led a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men, according to an Associated Press review of internal Justice Department records. Investigators said photos and videos seized from his homes did not depict victims being abused or implicate anyone else, and financial records showed no connection to criminal activity.

Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp resigns after Epstein emails release

2026-02-06

Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp resigned after the U.S. Department of Justice released emails that describe his exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, Karp said recent reporting has “created a distraction” and that he would remain at the firm where he has worked for decades.

Nancy Guthrie kidnapping prompts renewed focus on past U.S. abductions

2026-02-06

Authorities in Tucson, Arizona, are searching for missing Nancy Guthrie, with police saying they have not identified suspects or persons of interest in the five-day case. The search comes as investigators take seriously ransom notes sent to multiple media outlets, and federal and local officials have asked the public to stay alert for information. The unfolding drama has also revived comparisons to other high-profile abduction cases from U.S. history.

UK’s Starmer apologizes to Epstein victims, backs Mandelson firing

2026-02-06

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein, saying he regretted appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador after revelations about Mandelson’s ties to Epstein. Starmer said Mandelson had “repeatedly lied” and portrayed Epstein as someone Mandelson barely knew.

Epstein files unredacted in DOJ release after failed privacy redactions

2026-02-05

The U.S. Department of Justice released a large batch of investigative materials about Jeffrey Epstein on Friday after a law required it to open files for public review. But an Associated Press review found multiple examples where sensitive information about alleged sexual abuse victims—names, faces and nude images—was not properly redacted, despite promises of privacy protections.

New Epstein documents show Woody Allen visited White House in 2015

2026-02-05

The Justice Department’s release of records including emails linked Jeffrey Epstein to a White House visit in 2015 by filmmaker Woody Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn. The documents show Epstein sought help from former White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler so Epstein’s friends could tour the White House while President Barack Obama was away in Hawaii.

Prince Andrew moves from Royal Lodge to Charles III’s Sandringham estate

2026-02-05

LONDON — The former Prince Andrew, who was stripped of royal titles by King Charles III last year, has moved out of his longtime home on crown-owned land near Windsor Castle and into the king’s private Sandringham estate, earlier than expected. The move follows the latest release of U.S. Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents that renewed questions about Andrew’s friendship with the convicted sex offender, according to British media and Thames Valley Police.

Norway crown princess son on trial as Epstein file ties draw scrutiny

2026-02-05

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit faced renewed scrutiny after a release of Jeffrey Epstein documents as her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, returned to court for a second day of a seven-week trial. Høiby, 29, pleaded not guilty to charges including rape, according to reporting. The trial and the new revelations have intensified focus on Norway’s royal family and its popularity with the public.

Britain to release documents on Mandelson’s US ambassador appointment

2026-02-05

The U.K. government said it will release documents related to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States, despite anger over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced calls for transparency after acknowledging he knew in 2024 about Mandelson’s ties to Epstein. Parliament also diverted control of the release decision to the Intelligence and Security Committee after lawmakers pushed back.

Norway crown princess apologizes again over Epstein ties

2026-02-05

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway apologized again for her past links to Jeffrey Epstein, saying Friday that some messages between them do not reflect who she wants to be. The fresh regret came after a new release of Epstein-related files that Norwegian media said contained several hundred mentions of her, less than a week after her first apology.

UK police open criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson over Epstein leaks

2026-02-04

British police have opened a criminal investigation into former Labour minister Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office tied to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to London’s Metropolitan Police. The government said newly released Epstein files suggest Mandelson may have shared market-sensitive information, leading to his resignation from the House of Lords.

Deal reached to protect identities of Epstein victims in document release

2026-02-04

A judge in Manhattan canceled a Wednesday hearing after lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein victims’ families and the Justice Department reached an agreement to protect the identities of nearly 100 women whose information was included in newly released court documents, according to a lawyer. The agreement came after attorneys complained that the government failed to redact names and other personal identifying information in thousands of instances when it released millions of records.

Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein probe after contempt threat

2026-02-04

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed with House Republicans to testify in a House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, after the committee advanced possible contempt-of-Congress resolutions. Hillary Clinton will testify Feb. 26 before the House Oversight Committee, and Bill Clinton will appear Feb. 27. The agreement marks the first time lawmakers have compelled a former president to testify, the Associated Press reported.

DOJ takes down Epstein files after redaction failures may expose victims

2026-02-03

The Justice Department said it withdrew several thousand Epstein-related documents and “media” from public access after lawyers told a New York judge that sloppy redactions may have exposed information about nearly 100 victims, including nude photos and identifying details. In a letter to the judge, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the department revised protocols for handling “flagging documents” and aims to post revised redacted versions within 24 to 36 hours.

Poland’s Tusk announces probe of Epstein files for possible Polish victims

2026-02-03

Warsaw’s prime minister said Poland will analyze more than 3 million pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents, videos and photos released by the U.S. Department of Justice to determine whether there were victims in Poland. Donald Tusk said a team led by the justice minister and the minister responsible for secret services will review the material and, if warranted, launch a formal investigation. He also said he wants to examine whether Epstein had any links to Russian secret services.

Son of Norway’s crown princess arrested ahead of rape trial

2026-02-03

The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess, Marius Borg Høiby, was arrested over new allegations and was being held ahead of his trial on rape and other charges, police said. A court on Monday ordered that he remain in detention for up to four weeks, citing a risk of reoffending.

Mandelson faces calls to quit House of Lords over Epstein ties

2026-02-03

A British politician at the center of new allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein is facing pressure to leave the House of Lords, after Peter Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party. Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Mandelson to quit politics and testify in the United States about what he knew, while the Metropolitan Police said it had received reports relating to alleged misconduct in a public office. The allegations draw on documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice that span more than 3 million pages.

Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein probe after contempt threat

2026-02-03

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed late Monday to testify in a House investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, though Rep. James Comer said the terms were not yet finalized. Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, continued pressing for criminal contempt of Congress charges as a negotiating window opened over how and when the depositions would occur.

Fact check: AI-made images falsely link NYC mayor to Epstein

2026-02-03

Multiple AI-generated photos circulating on social media falsely claim New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, appear with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The images, which also depict other high-profile public figures, began spreading Monday after new Epstein-related files were released by the U.S. Department of Justice.

DOJ official plays down chance for charges from Epstein files release

2026-02-02

The Justice Department has said it does not see the “horrible photographs” and troubling emails in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein records as a basis for prosecuting anyone, a top Justice Department official said Sunday. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told CNN’s “State of the Union” that the existence of such material “does not ‘allow us necessarily to prosecute somebody.’”

Tech titans, U.S. officials and royalty appear in Epstein files

2026-02-02

The Justice Department released a large trove of documents connected to its investigations of Jeffrey Epstein, names spanning tech leaders, Wall Street figures and foreign dignitaries. Many of the people mentioned denied any involvement in Epstein’s sexual abuse of girls and young women, and none have been charged with crimes tied to the investigations.

Latest Epstein files spur Slovak resignation, spur Prince Andrew calls

2026-02-02

The newly disclosed U.S. government documents involving Jeffrey Epstein prompted the resignation of a top Slovak official and revived calls in Britain for Prince Andrew to cooperate with U.S. investigators. The documents include emails and photos tied to Epstein’s links to well-known figures, following the Justice Department’s disclosure of more than 3 million pages of materials and tens of thousands of videos and images under a law aimed at releasing investigative records.

Justice Department releases 3 million pages of Epstein files

2026-01-31

The Justice Department disclosed more than 3 million pages of newly released Jeffrey Epstein records Friday, along with thousands of videos and photos, as required by a federal law. By Friday evening, more than 600,000 documents had been posted online, with millions more still withheld, prompting criticism from Democrats.

Justice Department releases more Epstein files, totaling 3 million pages

2026-01-31

The U.S. Justice Department on Friday resumed disclosures under the Epstein Files Transparency Act by posting more records from its investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. The department said the latest release brings the total to more than 3 million pages of documents, along with more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.

House panel advances contempt resolutions against Clintons in Epstein probe

2026-01-22

A House Oversight Committee advanced Wednesday resolutions to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress over subpoenas in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a step that could lead to votes on the House floor. The committee’s chairman, Rep. James Comer, said no witness should willfully defy a congressional subpoena without consequences.

Judge blocks Khanna and Massie from intervening in Maxwell case over Epstein files

2026-01-22

Congressional cosponsors of an Epstein records transparency law can sue for enforcement of the Justice Department’s disclosure obligations, but they cannot intervene in Ghislaine Maxwell’s federal sex trafficking case, a judge ruled Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer blocked Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie from seeking a court-appointed neutral monitor to oversee compliance.

House committee advances contempt charges against Clintons

2026-01-21

The House Oversight Committee voted Wednesday to advance contempt of Congress charges against former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over their refusal to comply with a congressional subpoena related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. In a bipartisan vote, all Republicans and nine Democrats on the committee supported the contempt charges against Bill Clinton. Three progressive Democrats — Reps. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan — also voted to advance contempt charges against Hillary Clinton.

Timothy Busfield released pending trial on child sex abuse charges

2026-01-20

Actor Timothy Busfield was released from jail Tuesday night in Albuquerque, New Mexico, pending trial on charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse. Busfield, known for roles in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams" and "Thirtysomething," is accused of misconduct on the set of the TV series "The Cleaning Lady."

Busfield lawyers seek release, cite studio probe and polygraph

2026-01-17

Attorneys for Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield argued in an Albuquerque court Friday that he should be released from pretrial detention on child sex abuse charges, saying a Warner Bros. investigation found the allegations against him unfounded and that he passed a polygraph test.

Justice Department urges judge to reject request over Epstein document release

2026-01-17

Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor urged a judge to reject a request by two members of Congress to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the public release of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell case documents. In a letter, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton told U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer that the judge lacks authority to grant that request and that the lawmakers do not have standing in the criminal case. The lawmakers, Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, said the slow release violates the Epstein Files Transparency Act and called for an independent monitor.

DOJ tells judge to reject congressional request for Epstein files neutral overseer

2026-01-16

Manhattan's top federal prosecutor told a federal judge Friday that he lacks the authority to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the public release of documents from the sex trafficking investigation of financier Jeffrey Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, in a letter to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, said the court must reject a request from two bipartisan House lawmakers who cited "urgent and grave concerns" about the pace of the document release. Clayton said the lawmakers lack legal standing to seek such relief because they are not parties to the criminal case.

Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case

2026-01-14

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield was ordered held without bond Wednesday at his first court appearance, one day after turning himself in on charges he allegedly touched two minor children on the set of a television series he was directing in New Mexico. A judge said a detention hearing to determine whether Busfield remains in custody will be scheduled within five business days.

Clintons refuse House Epstein subpoena as contempt proceedings loom

2026-01-13

Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton said Tuesday they will refuse to comply with a House Oversight Committee subpoena requiring them to testify in its investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, calling the probe "legally invalid." Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said he will open contempt of Congress proceedings against them the following week after Bill Clinton did not appear for a scheduled deposition at House offices Tuesday.

Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in on child sex abuse charges in New Mexico

2026-01-13

Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield turned himself in to Albuquerque police on Tuesday to face charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor stemming from allegations that he inappropriately touched two boys on the set of a television series he was directing in New Mexico. Albuquerque police spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos confirmed Busfield was booked on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Busfield, known for his roles in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Thirtysomething" — which earned him an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991 — denied the allegations. His attorney Stanton Stein said Busfield traveled voluntarily from across the country to face the charges.

Clintons refuse subpoena in House Epstein probe as contempt looms

2026-01-12

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said they will refuse to comply with a congressional subpoena to testify in a House committee investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, even as Republican lawmakers prepare contempt proceedings. The Clintons said in a letter released on social media that the House Oversight probe is “legally invalid” and that Rep. James Comer is pursuing a process designed “literally” to imprison them.

Torso Killer Richard Cottingham confesses to 1965 Fair Lawn killing

2026-01-07

One of New York City’s most notorious serial killers, Richard Cottingham, has confessed to the 1965 killing of nursing student Alys Eberhardt, New Jersey police said. Investigators say the confession was uncovered through years of interviews after they reopened the cold case in 2021.

Joseph McGettigan, prosecutor in Sandusky and du Pont cases, dies at 76

2026-01-06

Joseph E. McGettigan III, the Pennsylvania prosecutor who secured criminal convictions against Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky and chemical heir John du Pont, died Dec. 31 at age 76, according to Boyd Horrox Givnish Life Celebration Home of East Norriton. McGettigan lived in Media, a Philadelphia suburb. No cause of death was reported.

Wisconsin author Michael Schumacher, who chronicled Ginsberg and Clapton, dies at 75

2026-01-06

Michael J. Schumacher, a Wisconsin author who built two distinct writing careers — one chronicling the lives of cultural figures from Allen Ginsberg to Eric Clapton, and another documenting the maritime disasters of the Great Lakes — died Dec. 29. He was 75. His daughter, Emily Joy Schumacher, confirmed his death Monday. No cause of death was provided.

DOJ to review 5.2M Epstein documents, delay expected into Jan. 20-21

2026-01-01

The U.S. Department of Justice has expanded its review of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein to 5.2 million, according to a person briefed on a letter sent to U.S. attorneys. The department is also increasing the number of lawyers working to comply with a law Congress passed to require the release of the files.

Justice Department reviews 5.2 million Epstein files, misses deadline

2025-12-31

The Department of Justice has expanded its review of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to 5.2 million files and assigned more than 400 attorneys to the task, but does not expect to release additional material until Jan. 20 or 21 — more than a month past a Dec. 19 congressional deadline — according to a person briefed on a letter sent to U.S. Attorneys who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it.