2005‑2008 – Federal investigators launch a Palm Beach, Florida grand‑jury probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sexual abuse of underage girls, interviewing teens and preparing an indictment before a 2007 non‑prosecution agreement is reached[25].

2007‑2008 – Epstein pleads guilty to a state prostitution charge, receives an 18‑month work‑release sentence, and avoids federal charges; U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta’s decision later fuels public outrage and his 2019 resignation as Labor Secretary[25].

July 2019 – A federal grand jury indicts Epstein on sex‑trafficking charges; he dies by suicide in a Manhattan jail a month later, ending the criminal case but sparking calls for full disclosure of investigation files[12].

2020 – A DOJ internal review finds “poor judgment” in Acosta’s handling of the case but no misconduct, reinforcing criticism of the 2008 plea deal[25].

Dec 2021 – Ghislaine Maxwell is convicted of recruiting underage girls for Epstein and sentenced to 20 years in prison, beginning the legal battle that will later include multiple habeas petitions[1].

2024 campaign – Former President Donald Trump pledges to release Epstein files, a promise that later materializes in legislation after his election loss[2].

July 2025 – DOJ officials state that a review of Epstein‑related records found no “client list” of famous men, countering long‑standing rumors[23].

Nov 18 2025 – Congress passes the Epstein Files Transparency Act, mandating the Justice Department to disclose all unclassified Epstein‑related documents within 30 days; President Trump signs it on Nov 19, creating a Dec 19 deadline[23][24].

Dec 5 2025 – U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith (Florida) orders the unsealing of 2005‑2007 grand‑jury transcripts in the Epstein investigation, invoking the new Transparency Act that overrides Rule 6(e) secrecy protections[7][15].

Dec 9 2025 – Judge Paul A. Engelmayer (SDNY) grants the DOJ’s request to unseal Maxwell‑Epstein records, directing release of 18 categories of material within about 10 days and requiring redactions to protect victims[14].

Dec 9 2025 – Judge Richard M. Berman (Manhattan) allows the release of Epstein’s 2019 grand‑jury transcripts and exhibits, citing the Transparency Act and setting a Dec 19 public‑release deadline[13].

Dec 10 2025 – Additional judges (Berman, Smith) issue similar orders unsealing Epstein‑related documents, confirming that redacted records will include search warrants, financial records, and interview notes while protecting victim identities[5][21].

Dec 17 2025 – Ghislaine Maxwell files a pro se habeas corpus petition in Manhattan, arguing “substantial new evidence” shows constitutional violations and that “no reasonable juror would convict” her[1][20].

Dec 17 2025 – Maxwell’s lawyer David Markus warns that the upcoming unsealing could “create undue prejudice so severe that it would foreclose the possibility of a fair retrial”[20].

Dec 22 2025 – Judge Engelmayer admonishes Maxwell for naming victims in her petition, orders the exhibits sealed and redacted, and reminds her that “you cannot publicly identify victims who were not named at trial”[19].

Dec 25 2025 – Grand‑jury transcripts detailing FBI testimony about Maxwell’s central role are released, intensifying scrutiny as victims like Danielle Bensky say the records “sharpen focus on Maxwell”[18].

Jan 17 2026 – DOJ attorney Jay Clayton petitions Judge Engelmayer to dismiss Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie’s bid for a neutral monitor, arguing the court lacks authority and the lawmakers lack standing[10].

Jan 21 2026 – Judge Paul Engelmayer blocks the lawmakers from joining Maxwell’s criminal case or appointing an independent monitor, emphasizing the court’s lack of jurisdiction while noting survivors’ calls for oversight[9][16].

Feb 9 2026 (planned) – The House Oversight Committee schedules a deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell as part of its ongoing Epstein investigation, underscoring continued congressional scrutiny[9].