Washington, D.C. — The recent release of approximately 3 million investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein has sparked renewed outrage over the federal government’s response to this controversial case. Advocacy groups are voicing concerns that millions of additional documents remain hidden, prompting calls for greater accountability from the Justice Department.

Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Justice Department was mandated to unveil all relevant investigative records by December 19, 2022. While some information was disclosed on that date, the latest batch of documents emerged nearly six weeks later, raising questions about the department’s compliance with the law.

Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general who previously defended Donald Trump in legal matters, characterized the recent release as the culmination of an extensive review process aimed at ensuring transparency. “This marks the end of our comprehensive document identification and review to comply with the act,” he stated.

Blanche acknowledged that the Justice Department identified more than 6 million pages as potentially relevant to the investigation. However, he clarified that the count included materials collected from various sources. “The actual number of responsive pages is significantly lower than the total collected,” he explained, noting that the department had opted for an over-collection approach to maximize transparency.

Despite the announced release, advocates are not satisfied. Critics argue that the missed deadline and the continued withholding of documents hinder a full understanding of how Epstein managed to evade justice for decades and receive a lenient plea deal nearly 20 years ago. “The government continues to evade accountability, denying responsibility for the abuse of countless victims,” said Jennifer Plotkin, a representative for over 30 of Epstein’s survivors.

Dr. Ann Olivarius, a prominent attorney focused on women’s rights, echoed those sentiments. She lamented that the files released do not reveal critical information about Epstein’s protection from prosecution prior to 2019. “We have extensive documentation of his exploitation, but we need insight into who facilitated his immunity,” she said.

Olivarius also highlighted the discrepancy between the large number of identified documents and what has been made available for public viewing. “The Justice Department initially identified over 6 million pages, yet only a fraction has been released, with the rest claimed to be duplicates or irrelevant,” she noted, expressing skepticism about the department’s classification process.

Radar Online, which has long petitioned for the release of Epstein-related documents through a public records request, criticized the latest disclosures. A spokesperson for the outlet remarked, “The redactions are questionable, and the acknowledgment of millions of withheld records raises further concerns.” The organization is currently pursuing litigation to ensure transparency in the matter.

Jennifer Freeman, an attorney representing Maria Farmer, one of Epstein’s accusers, criticized the government’s efforts as disorganized and lacking clarity. “This isn’t just a database dump. We need comprehensive answers about ongoing investigations and the fate of FBI complaints filed by numerous women,” Freeman said.

As public scrutiny grows, some lawmakers have also voiced their frustrations regarding the Justice Department’s handling of the situation. Congressman Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, raised alarms about what he described as a potential cover-up, questioning the insufficient release of files linked to Epstein. “If there are 6 million pages, how can we only access 3 million with extensive redactions? It raises serious trust issues,” Raskin stated.

In response to the criticisms, a Justice Department official defended the agency’s actions, stating, “This narrative is misleading. We have complied with the law, producing over 3.5 million pages and justifying any non-responsive items.”

As the debate continues, the call for transparency and accountability in the Epstein case remains a focal point for advocates and lawmakers alike, with many urging the Justice Department to fulfill its obligations and restore public trust.