Florida (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A New York federal judge has ruled to unseal grand jury materials from Ghislaine Maxwell’s case under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, mandating public disclosure by 19 December amid victim privacy safeguards. This follows a similar Florida ruling and intensifies scrutiny on Jeffrey Epstein’s network, with prosecutors criticised for inadequate victim notifications.
Judge Engelmayer’s Ruling Details
Judge Paul Engelmayer issued his decision from the US District Court in Manhattan, granting the DOJ’s request based on the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed nearly unanimously by Congress in November. As reported by CNBC staff, Engelmayer stated that the Act “does not explicitly mention grand jury materials,” but “the Court nonetheless maintains consistent with the DOJ’s position that the Act textually encompasses the grand jury materials in this instance.” He emphasised the law’s reference to Ghislaine Maxwell and related documents, permitting release of transcripts, exhibits, and substantial prosecution materials from her trial.
Engelmayer adjusted a protective order to establish a protocol “to safeguard victims from the unintentional release of materials… that could reveal their identities or infringe upon their privacy.” According to BBC News reporting, the judge mandated safeguards to shield victims’ identities and privacy in the unsealing process. CNN coverage notes that Engelmayer’s approval allows disclosure of evidence collected against Maxwell, connected to Epstein. The judge observed, “ary to’s depiction the grand materials would not reveal new information of any consequence,” indicating limited novel revelations expected.
Criticism of DOJ Handling
Engelmayer sharply criticised the DOJ for failing to notify Maxwell’s and Epstein’s victims before seeking disclosure. CNBC reports the judge stating, “In its two requests to this Court for record disclosure, the DOJ, while superficially acknowledging the concerns of’s and’s victims has not them with the care they merit.” He added, “In applying on November 24, 2025, for permission to release records under the Act, the DOJ again acted without informing Maxwell’s and Epstein’s victims.” The ruling directs the DOJ to promptly notify victims of the latest motion and set a feedback deadline.
Background on Epstein Files Transparency Act
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on 19 November, requires the attorney general to publicly disclose all unclassified DOJ records, communications, and investigative materials associated with Epstein and Maxwell by 19 December. As per Fox News, the Act overrides federal grand jury secrecy rules, with a Florida judge, Rodney Smith, granting a similar DOJ request on Friday for 2005 Epstein investigation transcripts. Judge Smith found the law superseded secrecy requirements.
BBC News details that the law pertains to “unclassified, documents communications, investigative materials” linked to Epstein and Maxwell, allowing withholding for ongoing investigations or privacy concerns. The New York Times reports that Engelmayer referenced the statute mandating DOJ disclosure of all Epstein-related documents by 19 December. Attorney General Pami filed the motion last month, urging expedition due to the deadline.
This follows earlier rejections; Engelmayer denied a DOJ request in August, but the new law prompted reversal. A similar Florida request was rejected earlier this year before the Act’s passage.
Prior Judicial Actions and Context
A Florida federal judge last Friday ordered unsealing of Epstein grand jury records under the new transparency law, though the DOJ holds final release authority. The DOJ has also requested another New York judge to unseal records from Epstein’s brief 2019 prosecution, awaiting response. Historical context includes a 2020 ruling unsealing defamation suit documents against Maxwell by Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre, revealing depositions, memoir drafts, and Maxwell-Epstein emails.
Maxwell’s 2021 conviction stemmed from her role in luring teenage girls for Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in August 2019 weeks after child sex trafficking arrest. The US Supreme Court rejected Maxwell’s appeal in October 2025, upholding her conviction. Justice Department assessments indicated no further disclosures justified beyond trial materials, prioritising victim protections.
Epstein and Maxwell’s Network
Jeffrey Epstein, a former friend of President Donald Trump, operated a sex trafficking ring catering to powerful figures. Maxwell, his longtime companion, facilitated underage exploitation. The unsealed materials may shed light on investigations abandoned in 2005 Florida and federal probes.
President Trump’s signing of the Act followed refusals, amid backlash from supporters over handling of so-called Epstein files. Trump halted Epstein-related inquiries during a White House Cabinet meeting, calling persistent questioners “weaklings” succumbing to the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.”
Implications and Deadlines
The rulings intensify pressure for transparency into Epstein’s operations, potentially exposing connections without compromising victims. The DOJ must release materials by 19 December, balancing disclosure with redactions. Maxwell, imprisoned since her conviction, sees her case revisited through these files.
Legal experts note grand jury secrecy exceptions are rare, making this pivotal. Victims’ advocates praise safeguards but decry DOJ oversights. Further unsealing awaits in Epstein’s New York prosecution.
