A federal judge in Florida, U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, denied a request from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to unseal grand jury transcripts related to the investigation of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The ruling cited strict state guidelines governing grand jury secrecy, with Judge Rosenberg stating that her "hands are tied" and that public interest does not constitute an exception to these long-standing rules. The decision marks a setback for the DOJ's broader efforts to increase transparency surrounding the Epstein case.
Judge Rosenberg's ruling emphasized that the request did not meet the extraordinary exceptions typically required to make such documents public under federal law. She noted that while the government argued for "special circumstances" due to intense public interest, this rationale does not align with the established legal precedents in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which governs Florida. The transcripts in question stem from Florida's 2005 and 2007 investigations into Epstein.
The Florida case saw Epstein plead guilty in state court in 2008 to two felony soliciting charges, including procuring a minor for prostitution, as part of a controversial plea deal that allowed him to avoid federal charges in Florida. Despite the federal grand juries being convened, Epstein was never federally indicted in the state. This history adds complexity to the current demands for unsealing.
The DOJ has made similar requests to federal judges in New York, where Epstein faced later sex trafficking charges and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted. Unlike Florida, the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which governs New York, has different precedents regarding grand jury secrecy, potentially offering more flexibility for unsealing. Those requests remain pending, with judges in New York seeking additional materials and input from various parties.
The denial in Florida comes amidst significant public and political pressure for greater transparency regarding Epstein's activities and associates. Republican Senator Mike Lee, reacting to the ruling, stated in a tweet: > "The federal judge in Florida who denied the DOJ request to unseal the Epstein files should explain what can be done to unseal them, why those things are necessary, and how long that process might take." This sentiment reflects ongoing calls for clarity on the legal pathways to disclose such sensitive information.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death, coupled with the nature of his crimes and his high-profile connections, has fueled numerous conspiracy theories. His longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 for her role in facilitating Epstein's abuse and is currently serving a 20-year sentence.