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Judge Blocks Lawmakers’ Bid for Independent Monitor in Epstein‑Maxwell File Release

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Judge Engelmayer Denies Congressional Intervention U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer ruled that Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie lack standing to join Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal case or to obtain a court‑appointed monitor, emphasizing that the court has no authority to insert such oversight into a criminal proceeding [1][2]. The decision underscores limits on judicial power over congressional actions, even though the Epstein Files Transparency Act permits a civil suit for an observer [1].

Epstein Files Transparency Act Mandates Massive Disclosure The bipartisan law, signed in November, requires the public release of more than two million investigative documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell [2][3]. To date, roughly 12 000 documents have been made public, a fraction delayed by extensive redactions intended to protect victims [2][5]. The Justice Department reports that over 500 staff members, including two‑thirds of the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office, are reviewing the files, but technical glitches and the sheer volume hinder faster release [3][5].

Survivors and Lawmakers Push for Oversight Amid Slow Release Abuse survivors have sent letters and emails urging the appointment of a neutral overseer, arguing that the sluggish disclosure process inflicts additional trauma [1][4]. Khanna and Massie contend that the Department of Justice is defying the law, but the DOJ maintains the court lacks authority to appoint a special master or monitor in this context [4][3]. The judge’s ruling reflects this jurisdictional dispute while acknowledging the importance of timely compliance [2].

Context of Maxwell Conviction and Epstein Death Ghislaine Maxwell continues to serve a 20‑year sentence for sex‑trafficking convictions and has petitioned for release, citing new information that could affect her case [1][2]. Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a federal jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial, a fact that remains central to public scrutiny of the document releases [1][4].

DOJ Deploys Large Team but Faces Technical Glitches Attorney General Pam Bondi disclosed that more than 500 personnel are assigned to review and redact the Epstein‑related records, with nearly two‑thirds of Manhattan prosecutors involved [3][5]. The department acknowledges platform glitches caused by the volume of material and projects the next batch of releases around January 20‑21 [5]. Despite these challenges, the DOJ reiterates its commitment to transparency while protecting victim privacy [5].

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