Lawmakers can sue to secure release of Epstein files, but not as part of Maxwell case, judge says
A federal judge ruled on Wednesday that US lawmakers have no legal right to interfere in Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal case to demand the accelerated release of documents related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his assistant.
Judge Paul A. Engelmayer of the Southern District Court of New York denied the request of Representatives Ro Khanna (Democrat from California) and Thomas Massie (Republican from Kentucky) for intervention in Maxwell’s sex trafficking case. Congressmen sought the appointment of an independent judicial overseer to ensure compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by former President Donald Trump in November.
Court decision
Engelmayer agreed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in saying it does not have the legal authority to grant lawmakers’ request for an independent observer to oversee the release of more than 2 million documents identified as investigative material.
Congressmen argued that the slow release of documents violated the law and caused “serious trauma to survivors” of alleged sexual abuse rings. However, the judge highlighted that the legislation approved by Congress after months of public pressure does not establish specific mechanisms or penalties to ensure compliance.
“Lawmakers have the freedom to use their legislative instruments to enhance oversight of the Department of Justice,” wrote Engelmayer, appointed by former President Barack Obama.
Reactions and next steps
In a statement, Rep. Khanna said: “We appreciate Judge Engelmayer’s quick response and attention to our request, and we respect his decision. He stated that we have raised ‘legitimate concerns’ about whether the Department of Justice is following the law. We will continue to use all available legal resources to ensure the files are released and the victims obtain justice.”
The judge acknowledged receiving letters and emails from abuse survivors supporting the appointment of a neutral supervisor. These correspondences, he said, expressed concern that “the Department of Justice will not comply with the law” and accused the department of “only pretending to care about the victims.”
Current status of disclosure
The Justice Department missed the December 19 deadline set by Congress to release all files. DOJ officials said hundreds of lawyers are reviewing previously unreleased records to determine what information needs to be withheld to protect the identities of hundreds of sexual abuse victims.
To date, only around 12,000 documents of the more than 2 million identified have been made public.
Case context
Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of sex trafficking in December 2021. She recently requested her release, claiming that new information justifies her release. A jury found her guilty of helping Epstein recruit girls for sexual abuse over 25 years and of personally participating in some of that abuse.
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York federal prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The death was officially classified as a suicide.
The court ruling leaves primary responsibility for releasing the documents with the Department of Justice, while members of Congress remain with the option of seeking separate legal action or using legislative oversight mechanisms to press for compliance with the law.
With information from AP News on 01/21/2026
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/01/21/arquivos-epstein-juiz-impede-intervencao-de-congressistas-para-acelerar-divulgacao/
