The Epstein Files

Luke Coggeshall

    On November 19th, 2025, the Epstein files were released following the “Epstein files Transparency Act”. The history of the files is complicated, graphic—and explained below.

         Beginning in the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, famous American figure Jeffery Epstein faced accusations of abuse to minors. His infamous estate, Little St. James (commonly known as Epstein island), was rumored to be the location of trafficking and abuse of young girls and women. However, none of the allegations had been made officially public. 

     By the mid 2000s, an investigation was opened, after a parent of one of his victims complained to the local Palm Beach Police Department. After the investigation opened, many victims of Epstein's abuse came forward. 

     With an abundance of incriminating evidence, Epstein was finally charged with a sex trafficking indictment, issued two state charges, and held in a county jail for 13 months. While in jail, Epstein received unusual treatment and lenient privileges. Among these were his own private wing in the jail and up to 16 hours of daily work release, most of which was spent at his mansion—the site of his crimes.       

        Epstein had previously been given a non-prosecution agreement (NPA), which stated that as long as he pleaded guilty to the state level charges he was given, the federal sex-trafficking charges would be dropped. However, the NPA was formed without the knowledge or consent of the victims. By the mid 2010s, many victims had claimed this agreement was unlawful, and even filed lawsuits in attempts to override it. 

     Pressure from investigative journalism led authorities to re-open Epstein's case, which inevitably led to his arrest, on federal charges of sex-trafficking. However, in August 2019, Jeffery Epstein was found dead in his jail cell. The initial cause of death was belived to be suicide, but suspicion arose due to many irregularities, such as failed security cameras, guards“sleeping” on duty, and false paperwork. 

       Ghislaine Maxwell was repeatedly named an associate to Epstein, but she denied all allegations of sexual abuse. However, by the early 2020s, she was arrested under the charges of trafficking, and assisting Epstein's abuse. She is currently in a minimum security prison in Texas, and has 12 more years to serve. 

       Many still speculate how Epstein avoided federal charges for so long, and why he was treated so much better than other inmates. Many believe this was a product of his wealth, enabling him to afford top-notch legal teams, and the lack of judicial and public oversight on his case.