DOJ releases new Epstein files revealing draft indictment, redacted allegations

The U.S. Department of Justice released a new batch of records  tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

(NBC)- The U.S. Department of Justice released a new batch of records  tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, shedding additional light on potential connections to powerful figures and previously unseen government documents.

Among the newly posted materials is what appears to be a 32-count draft indictment prepared against Epstein before the controversial 2007 non-prosecution agreement. According to the document, federal prosecutors had considered charging Epstein alongside three unnamed co-conspirators in a conspiracy to procure girls under the age of 18 between 2001 and 2005. The co-conspirators’ names are fully redacted, but they are described as assistants who allegedly helped schedule appointments, place calls, arrange payments, and facilitate other logistics tied to the abuse.

The release also includes several previously unseen images that appear to show Prince Andrew, Britain’s former prince, kneeling beside an unidentified female. The documents do not provide context, timing, or details surrounding the images, and officials note there is no indication of wrongdoing depicted. Prince Andrew has denied past accusations of sexual abuse made by one of Epstein’s victims and has never been criminally charged.

In another development, the Justice Department briefly posted — and then removed without explanation — a spreadsheet summarizing complaints submitted to the FBI. The spreadsheet contains unverified allegations involving both Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. The document states that the FBI determined some of those complaints were not credible. Both Trump and Clinton have denied any wrongdoing and have not been accused by authorities.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of Justice said the files include “untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that are unfounded and false.” Trump attorney Todd Blanche echoed that position, saying, “We did not protect President Trump. We didn’t protect or not protect anybody.”

Meanwhile, a group of Epstein survivors criticized the Justice Department for what they say are extensive redactions in the newly released files. In a joint statement, the group said, “This is not over. We will not stop until the truth is fully revealed and every perpetrator is finally held accountable.”