Attorneys for Epstein victims filed a scathing letter to a federal judge Wednesday, criticizing the Department of Justice over unredacted documents released by the House Oversight Committee. The lawyers said the files exposed dozens of alleged victims’ names, including minors, causing widespread panic and emotional distress. The case has raised urgent questions about the government’s handling of sensitive materials.
The Edwards Henderson law firm represents the alleged victims and urged U.S. District Judge Richard Berman to require the DOJ to improve its review policies. The attorneys said victims have repeatedly suffered from government negligence, and similar mistakes must not happen again. They highlighted that victims are not political pawns but real people deserving dignity and protection.
According to the filing, the Oversight Committee released dozens of unredacted names and personal details of alleged victims. One document alone listed 28 unredacted names. The attorneys said this demonstrates either the DOJ’s failure to know all victims or an intentional disregard for their safety.
The letter emphasized that the DOJ must verify the redaction process before releasing additional documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of hundreds of thousands of files by December 19. Attorneys argued that proper redactions are essential to protect victims from repeated exposure and trauma.
Judge Berman responded by ordering the DOJ to provide a detailed description of the materials and its privacy process, including all planned redactions, by noon on December 1. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said his office would confer with counsel for known victims to confirm redactions and withholding terms.
Clayton outlined the broad scope of documents intended for release, including witness interview notes, search warrant applications, financial and travel records, grand jury subpoena returns, school records, and law enforcement files. He emphasized the need for transparency while protecting the identities of Epstein victims.
The attorneys warned that failures in the redaction process have caused victims to experience mental and emotional distress, including sleep disruption. They stressed that the government must prioritize human dignity alongside transparency. Experts say this case highlights ongoing tensions between public access to documents and protecting survivors’ privacy.
Ultimately, the actions of the DOJ and the court will determine whether future releases prevent harm to Epstein victims. Officials and attorneys hope enhanced procedures will ensure sensitive information is safeguarded while complying with transparency laws.
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