Feds Fight to Keep Jeffrey Epstein’s Trove of Documents Secret
Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York have requested the judge's permission to withhold all unreleased FBI 'top-secret files' on Jeffrey Epstein in a categorical manner.
This move is seen by some in the press as an implied admission of the real risk of a retrial for Ghislaine Maxwell, the disgraced socialite and convicted sex-trafficker. On the other hand, those in the conservative camp view it as an attempt to suppress public information about the case and protect influential individuals mentioned in the documents.
Experts not only believe that Maxwell's attempt for a second trial is unlikely to succeed but also recent reports suggest that she is financially destitute and might have to represent herself in the appeal, which almost certainly guarantees failure.
According to the prosecution filing, the unreleased Epstein files contain exhibits not publicly filed in the first trial, specific details about potential trial witnesses, and documents authored by these witnesses.
In a recent filing related to the ongoing lawsuit, lead prosecutor Maurene Comey admitted that the FBI holds unreleased information that could impact a potential jury appeal by Maxwell.
The letter to the judge was signed by Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI director James Comey, who was involved in both the interrupted prosecution of Epstein and Maxwell's trial.
The withheld records include statements and evidence from additional Epstein victims and witnesses not mentioned in the first trial, some of whom the government may call if a retrial occurs.
Maxwell has appealed for a retrial, claiming she was targeted as a substitute for Epstein to appease public outrage after his suspicious death. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence at FCI Tallahassee in Florida.
The documents in question are at the center of a lawsuit by Radar.com, alleging that the FBI and DOJ are denying a properly-filled FOIA request.
The material in question was seized from both Epstein's Manhattan mansion and his Caribbean home in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Previously, Comey had informed the judge that releasing the FBI's records related to the Epstein investigation and prosecution could provide Maxwell with more access to the agency's files than she would have through the criminal discovery process. It could also risk influencing witnesses and the jury through media coverage and potentially impair the ability to seat a fair and impartial jury.
The FBI, via the Justice Department, contends that releasing its Epstein case file could interfere with Maxwell's prosecution.
Comey added that premature release of the withheld records, especially if done without full context, might influence jurors who have been exposed to speculative media coverage about Maxwell.
While the judicial reasons for withholding the documents may seem reasonable, many believe there are other undisclosed motivations.
The material contained in Epstein's vast archives of CDs, DVDs, and hard disks is potentially damaging to numerous 'clients' who were implicated in his activities with underage girls. The extent of Epstein's kompromat against these powerful individuals could create a systemic crisis in certain sectors of U.S. society.
One can't help but wonder what the next excuse will be to keep all this information secret once the Maxwell appeal issue is resolved.
