The Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General announced Thursday it will audit the department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The probe comes after months of bipartisan criticism regarding how the DOJ handled the release of files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.
Key Takeaways
The DOJ's Office of the Inspector General will audit its compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act amid bipartisan criticism over file releases. The probe evaluates redaction processes and post-release concerns.
- DOJ watchdog launches audit on Epstein files release process
- Investigation focuses on identification, redaction, and release procedures
- Over 3 million files released, but some removed due to privacy complaints
- Congress members demand independent review of DOJ's handling
The investigation will evaluate the DOJ's processes for identifying, redacting, and releasing records as required by law. It also examines how the department determined what material would be redacted or withheld under the act, along with procedures for addressing post-release publication concerns.
The Justice Department initially released a batch of files within 30 days of the bill being signed but did not encompass all material covered by the statute. Days later, it released over 11,000 files totaling nearly 30,000 pages of photos, court records, emails, news clippings, videos, and other materials.
The watchdog office said it will issue a public report with the audit's results once complete. The probe follows widespread criticism from survivors and members of Congress who called for an independent review of the department's handling of the files.
The DOJ has released over three million files through its online database, though some were later taken offline due to privacy complaints from survivors, leaving roughly 2.7 million publicly available. A top justice official stated in January that there are about six million files in total but some will remain private because they contain personal information or relate to open cases.
Frustration has grown with accusations that the DOJ is trying to protect powerful individuals and potential Epstein conspirators, claims the department denies. Last month, the DOJ released summaries of interviews involving unsubstantiated sexual assault allegations against former President Donald Trump, stating these documents were accidentally withheld. Trump denies any wrongdoing.
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