DOJ requests New York judges unseal grand jury indictments of Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell

The Justice Department on Friday requested that two New York judges unseal grand jury exhibits for disgraced financier and sex-crime offender Jeffrey Epstein and associate Ghislaine Maxwell – as the country's political class demands to know more about Epstein's connections before his death to other powerful and wealthy men. 

Lawyers for some of Epstein's alleged victims have expressed concerns about the exhibits being released, citing privacy concerns, according to The Hill newspaper. 

Others say the exhibits won't provide any new information, amid pressure for the Trump administration to release more so-called "Epstein files."

On Tuesday, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer issued deposition subpoenas for former President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton in connection with the panel's probe related to the “horrific crimes perpetrated by Jeffrey Epstein.”

Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the House have come together to support legislation put forward by Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie to mandate the release of more files, following criticism of how the Trump administration handled the matter. 

Epstein died in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. He pleaded guilty to similar state-level charges in Florida in 2008. 

Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex-trafficking and other charges in connection with her procurement of minors for Epstein's indulgence.