Judge Smith released treasure trove of Epstein files from 2005 and 2007

[Jake Starkey]

Yes, Epstein files were released today. The U.S. Department of Justice released thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including photos and other materials. This release was part of a broader effort to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated the release of all documents related to Epstein.

USA Today

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According to NBC News, Judge Rodney Smith ordered the release of:

Grand jury materials from the 2005 and 2007 federal investigations of Jeffrey Epstein​

These include:

• Grand jury transcripts
• Documents and investigative materials
• Communications related to the federal probe
• Materials tied to the non‑prosecution agreement that shielded Epstein in 2007

These records were historically protected by Rule 6(e) grand jury secrecy, which normally makes release illegal.

However — and this is the key point — Judge Smith did not violate secrecy rules.

Why?​

Because Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which explicitly overrides grand jury secrecy for Epstein‑related materials.

Judge Smith’s order simply implements the new law.

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The exact page count isn’t yet public, but NBC News reports:

• The DOJ has “a trove” of grand jury records from 2005 and 2007.
• These include years of investigative files from the West Palm Beach federal probe.
• Much of the underlying evidence has surfaced over time through civil suits, but the grand jury transcripts themselves have never been public.

So the release is substantial, but not every document will be new.

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No — quite the opposite.

✔ He acted​

The Epstein Files Transparency Act mandates that DOJ release:

“unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials that relate to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.”

This law overrides grand jury secrecy, which is normally absolute.

✔ Judge Smith’s order is legally authorized​

He granted DOJ’s request to release the materials in compliance with the new statute.

✔ DOJ will redact victim identities​

The DOJ told the court it will redact:

• Victim names
• Personal identifying information
• Sensitive details required by law

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Legally:​

Not serious for Judge Smith — he followed the law.

Historically:​

Extremely significant.

This is the first time in U.S. history that Congress has overridden grand jury secrecy for a specific case. It sets a precedent for:

• Transparency in high‑profile sex‑trafficking cases
• Re‑examining the 2007 non‑prosecution deal
• Revealing federal prosecutorial decisions that have been hidden for nearly 20 years

Politically and socially:​

It is a major development because:

• Epstein’s 2007 deal has been widely criticized as one of the most unusual plea arrangements in modern federal history.
• The release may expose who influenced the decision.
• It may reveal previously unknown details about Epstein’s network.

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• Judge Smith released grand jury transcripts and investigative files from the 2005–2007 Epstein federal probe.
• He did so because Congress passed a law requiring it.
• The release is historically significant, but not legally risky for the judge.
• DOJ will redact victim information before publication.