A federal judge in Florida decided on Wednesday that the Trump Administration is not permitted to distribute grand jury evidence linked to the early 2000s probe into Jeffrey Epstein.
Judge Robin L. Rosenberg declared that she lacks the authority to make public the documents from the investigations conducted in 2005 and 2007 in West Palm Beach. Rosenberg mentioned that the past decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit only permits her to reveal federal grand jury materials under very specific situations, according to USA Today.
Rosenberg wrote that the “court’s hands are tied” in this instance.
The decision was announced on the same day the House Oversight Committee officially issued a subpoena to Ghislaine Maxwell, who is presently serving a 20-year term for her role in facilitating and abusing Epstein’s minor victims. The New York Times noted that the proceeding will occur at the federal prison in Florida where Maxwell is serving her sentence.
On Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced he planned to meet Maxwell. Blanche said Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered the meeting.
“I intend to meet with her soon. No one is above the law — and no lead is off-limits,” he wrote.
USA Today reported that Judge Rosenberg’s ruling does not apply to other requests from the Justice Department to unseal records in Manhattan, New York. Those cases, which are also federal, pertain to criminal cases against Epstein and Maxwell.
This story is developing.
[Feature Photo: New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP, File]
