Timeline
How we got here
192 moments in the Epstein case, from the first police complaint to the fight over the files. Newest first. Every entry links to its reporting.
The files
2026
Investigations
UK probe of Andrew stalled over unreleased US records
The UK probe of former Prince Andrew, opened after his February 2026 arrest, stayed stalled because British prosecutors could not get unredacted emails from U.S. authorities; unnamed sources cited by the Sunday Telegraph speculated DOJ was reluctant to expose further Trump-Epstein ties.
Congress
Lawmakers said they secured signatures for a second files vote
Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie said they had secured the 218 signatures needed to force a House floor vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II.
Courts
Judge warned DOJ over compliance on withheld Epstein records
A federal judge ordered Attorney General Todd Blanche to produce disputed Epstein records, including FBI interview notes, by September 24 or explain DOJ's noncompliance, saying a contempt finding would be premature now but remained possible.
Congress
Comer introduced a bill voiding NDAs that silence abuse survivors
House Oversight Chairman James Comer introduced the Survivor's Voice Protection Act, which would retroactively void nondisclosure agreements silencing sexual-abuse survivors and create the first federal legal definition of grooming.
Courts
House held Leon Black in contempt of Congress
The full House unanimously approved holding Leon Black in contempt of Congress for refusing House Oversight subpoenas in its Epstein investigation, referring the matter for possible prosecution; Black's attorneys called it retaliation.
Investigations
Oversight panel voted to recommend holding Black in contempt
The House Oversight Committee voted, on a bipartisan basis, to recommend holding Leon Black in contempt after he cut short an interview, skipped a deposition, and produced only one of several sought nondisclosure agreements.
Congress
Lawmakers introduced a restitution-fund bill for Epstein survivors
Rep. Ayanna Pressley and colleagues introduced the Survivors' Rights Restitution Act, which would create a federally funded restitution program and adjudication office for sexual-violence survivors, including Epstein and Maxwell victims.
Investigations
European investigators said DOJ ignored requests for Epstein files
Law-enforcement officials in Poland, Norway, Latvia and Britain said DOJ had not responded to requests for unredacted Epstein records and cooperation, about a year after the files' release; DOJ said it had not refused to assist any jurisdiction.
Reporting
Fake GOP convention website redirected visitors to Epstein files
A prank website mimicking the GOP's Dallas convention page topped Google results and redirected visitors to DOJ's Epstein files repository; the RNC disavowed it, and Democrats cited the episode to renew criticism of redaction and release practices.
Congress
Massie began a petition drive to force a second Epstein-files vote
Rep. Thomas Massie began circulating a discharge petition to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which would let survivors and state officials sue DOJ over withheld files.
Reporting
Epstein-files exhibit opened during the GOP's Dallas convention
A traveling exhibit of DOJ-released Epstein files documents, titled a memorial reading room referencing Trump and Epstein, opened in Dallas timed to the Republican National Committee's midterm convention.
Settlements
Court approved Bank of America's $72.5 million Epstein settlement
A federal judge approved Bank of America's $72.5 million settlement with roughly 60 women who say they were trafficked or abused by Jeffrey Epstein or his associates, following earlier settlements by JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank.
Courts
Judge unsealed grand jury material tied to Maxwell's case
A federal judge granted DOJ's request under the transparency act to unseal grand jury materials from a law firm tied to the investigation preceding Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 arrest, rejecting Ghislaine Maxwell's objections.
Politics
Senate confirmed Blanche as attorney general
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with all Democrats and Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting against him.
Statements
Survivor testified Blanche never responded to abuse survivors
An Epstein-abuse survivor testified against Todd Blanche's nomination at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, saying the Justice Department had exposed her name in repeated releases of Epstein files despite her lawyer's efforts, that Blanche had been at the helm of releases that exposed more than a hundred victims' identifying information, and that he had never responded to her repeated attempts to reach him.
Politics
Senate held a confirmation hearing for Blanche as attorney general
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general, the hearing at which a survivor later testified.
Congress
Lawmakers introduced a follow-up Epstein files transparency bill
Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, with other lawmakers, introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which would let state officials, members of Congress and victims sue the Attorney General over withheld or redacted records, saying DOJ was still withholding over 3 million files.
Investigations
House subpoenaed Leon Black to testify under oath
Leon Black appeared for a voluntary House Oversight interview but declined to answer questions about Epstein-related nondisclosure agreements; Chairman James Comer then subpoenaed him to return under oath and produce the NDA documents.
Courts
Judge ordered DOJ to justify Epstein file redactions or unredact
A federal judge ordered DOJ to release unredacted Epstein documents or explain the legal basis for withholding them, ruling that journalist Katie Phang had standing to sue and that Acting AG Todd Blanche had failed to substantively contest her arguments.
Courts
Maxwell argued new evidence undermines her conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell argued in a court filing that prosecutors never properly investigated her case, citing their failure to interview Leslie Wexner, and called her conviction unsafe; prosecutors said she failed to meet her burden to overturn it.
File releases
Released transcript: Gates suspected Epstein weighed blackmailing him
The House Oversight Committee released Bill Gates's closed-door interview transcript, in which he said he believed Jeffrey Epstein had 'contemplated blackmailing' him over affairs, though no actual blackmail occurred, and that he knew of Epstein's prior conviction before they met in 2011.
Investigations
Gates testified he saw no evidence of Epstein's crimes
Bill Gates told the House Oversight Committee he never witnessed evidence of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and never visited his properties, though he said he 'should never have met with Epstein,' and that Epstein later tried to leverage his marital infidelities.
Statements
Bondi said Blanche was 'in charge' of the Epstein files release
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi told the House Oversight Committee that Acting AG Todd Blanche 'was in charge of the process and the entire release' of the Epstein files, and said DOJ had released all related materials to her knowledge.
Statements
Survivors recalled Epstein's 2008 plea deal at a Florida hearing
House Oversight Democrats held a field hearing in West Palm Beach on Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution deal; survivors testified and called for stronger victims'-rights reforms.
Investigations
DOJ inspector general opened audit of files-act compliance
The DOJ Office of the Inspector General announced an audit of the department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, examining how records are identified, redacted and released.
Investigations
Bill Gates agreed to testify to House on Epstein ties
Bill Gates agreed to a transcribed House Oversight interview on his Epstein ties, after DOJ documents surfaced in which Jeffrey Epstein claimed to have arranged encounters for Gates, an assertion Gates disputes.
Politics
Trump fired Bondi as attorney general
President Trump announced Attorney General Pam Bondi was leaving her post; sources said Trump was frustrated she had not 'executed on his vision' amid ongoing criticism of DOJ's Epstein files handling. Deputy AG Todd Blanche became acting attorney general.
Settlements
Bank of America agreed to pay $72.5 million over Epstein-linked accounts
Bank of America agreed to pay $72.5 million to resolve claims it provided banking services, without proper monitoring, to Jeffrey Epstein and associates including Ghislaine Maxwell and Leon Black; the bank did not admit liability.
Statements
Wyden praised Bank of America's Epstein-survivor settlement
Senate Finance Committee ranking member Ron Wyden praised Bank of America's settlement with Epstein survivors, saying his staff's investigation found the bank ignored more than $170 million in suspicious transactions tied to Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein.
File releases
DOJ released files on an allegation naming Trump and Epstein
DOJ released 15 previously withheld documents, including FBI summaries of a South Carolina woman's allegation that Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in the 1980s; DOJ said the files were 'incorrectly coded as duplicative,' and the White House called the allegation baseless.
Investigations
House panel voted to subpoena Bondi over Epstein files
The House Oversight Committee voted 24-19, with five Republicans joining Democrats, to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi over DOJ's handling of Epstein records, seeking closed-door testimony to be released publicly afterward.
Statements
WEF chief Brende resigned after an Epstein-ties review
World Economic Forum president Borge Brende resigned after an internal review of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein found no new concerns, though documents showed the two had attended business dinners and exchanged messages.
Arrests and charges
Former Prince Andrew arrested after Epstein files revelations
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, was arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office following revelations in the released Epstein files, then released about 11 hours later without charge.
Statements
DOJ told Congress no more Epstein files would be released
Attorney General Pam Bondi told Congress that DOJ had released 'all records, documents, communications and investigative materials' on Epstein in its possession, and included a list of more than 300 people identified as 'politically exposed persons.'
Statements
Bondi faced hostile questions on Epstein files at House hearing
Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee about DOJ's handling of the Epstein files release; Democrats accused her of shielding powerful figures while exposing survivors' identities, and she largely dismissed the questioning.
Politics
Lawmakers began viewing unredacted Epstein files at DOJ
Members of Congress began reviewing unredacted versions of released Epstein files on-site at DOJ headquarters, after the department agreed to grant that access following complaints about redactions.
Courts
Maxwell pleaded the Fifth in a House deposition
Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right during a House Oversight deposition, declining to answer questions about crimes and possible co-conspirators; her attorney said she would testify fully if Trump granted clemency.
Statements
Epstein survivors ran a Super Bowl ad demanding full file release
A group of Jeffrey Epstein survivors aired a Super Bowl LX ad calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all remaining files, saying three million files still had not been released.
Politics
UK PM's chief of staff resigned over Mandelson's Epstein ties
Morgan McSweeney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, resigned after advising Peter Mandelson's ambassador appointment despite Mandelson's Epstein ties; Starmer said Mandelson had 'lied repeatedly' about the relationship during vetting.
Statements
Law firm chair Karp resigned after Epstein email disclosures
Brad Karp stepped down as chairman of law firm Paul, Weiss after Justice Department documents surfaced showing his 2015-2019 email correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein; Karp said the reporting had become a distraction for the firm.
Statements
Survivors said DOJ's January release exposed them, not abusers
About 18 Epstein survivors said in a joint statement that DOJ's January 30 release exposed survivors' names while 'the men who abused us remain hidden,' and said DOJ could not call its release complete.
Politics
Slovak security adviser resigned over Epstein-linked emails
Miroslav Lajcak, national security adviser to Slovakia's prime minister, resigned after disclosed emails showed correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein about young women; Lajcak called the exchanges informal and denied wrongdoing.
File releases
DOJ published 3.5 million pages under the transparency act
DOJ published over 3 million additional pages, including thousands of videos and images, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bringing the total to roughly 3.5 million pages; DOJ said withholdings were limited to duplicates, privileged material and violent depictions.
2025
File releases
DOJ told Congress it was releasing files under the new transparency law
In a letter to Congress, DOJ said it was producing 'hundreds of thousands of pages' of Epstein records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act's 30-day deadline, while withholding victims' personal information, abuse material, and privileged or classified records.
Congress
Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law
President Trump signed H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring DOJ to release Epstein records subject to victim-protection and classification redactions.
Congress
Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act
The House passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act 427-1, with Rep. Clay Higgins the lone no vote; the Senate passed it the same day by unanimous consent, sending it to President Trump.
Statements
Survivors criticized Trump ahead of the House transparency vote
Survivors spoke at the Capitol ahead of the House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, criticizing President Trump's handling of the matter.
Statements
Larry Summers stepped back from public roles over Epstein emails
Larry Summers said he was 'stepping back from public commitments' after House Oversight released emails showing sustained correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, calling himself 'deeply ashamed'; he continues teaching two Harvard classes.
File releases
Released emails alleged Epstein wrote that Trump 'knew about the girls'
House Oversight Democrats released Epstein-estate emails, including a 2019 message in which Jeffrey Epstein allegedly wrote that Donald Trump 'knew about the girls'; the White House disputed the characterization.
Congress
Epstein-files discharge petition reached the signatures needed
Rep. Adelita Grijalva, sworn in after a seven-week delay, signed the discharge petition, supplying its 218th and final signature to force a House vote on releasing the files.
Statements
King Charles stripped Andrew's titles and Royal Lodge home
Buckingham Palace said King Charles III was stripping his brother's royal titles, making him Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and evicting him from Royal Lodge, amid pressure over his Epstein ties and an accuser's memoir.
Reporting
Accuser's posthumous memoir 'Nobody's Girl' was published
An accuser's posthumous memoir, 'Nobody's Girl,' was published, with an excerpt appearing ahead of its October 21 release.
File releases
Panel released Acosta's transcript on Epstein's 2008 deal
The House Oversight Committee released the transcript of its interview with former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who negotiated Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution deal, along with related letters.
Courts
Supreme Court declined to hear Maxwell's appeal
The Supreme Court declined to review Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal over Jeffrey Epstein's 2007 non-prosecution agreement, leaving her 20-year sentence intact.
File releases
Full 'birthday book' released, including note attributed to Trump
The House committee released Jeffrey Epstein's full 'birthday book' after Democrats had earlier released pages including a note attributed to Donald Trump, which he calls fake; a message attributed to Bill Clinton was also included.
Statements
Survivors rallied at the Capitol for the Epstein-files vote
Survivors held a Capitol Hill press conference backing the Massie-Khanna discharge petition, after President Trump had called the push a 'hoax.'
Congress
Massie and Khanna filed a petition to force an Epstein-files vote
Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna filed a discharge petition, needing 218 signatures, to force a House floor vote on releasing Epstein files.
File releases
House Oversight released first batch of subpoenaed Epstein files
House Oversight posted more than 33,000 pages of subpoenaed Epstein records; Democrats on the committee said most of the material was already public.
Reporting
Publisher announced an accuser's posthumous memoir
Knopf announced an accuser's posthumous memoir, 'Nobody's Girl,' completed before her April 2025 death, for an October release.
Investigations
House panel subpoenaed Epstein's estate for the 'birthday book'
House Oversight Chairman James Comer subpoenaed Jeffrey Epstein's estate for records including the 'birthday book' reported to contain a note attributed to Donald Trump, setting a September deadline.
File releases
DOJ released Maxwell interview transcripts amid criticism
DOJ released transcripts and audio of Deputy AG Blanche's July interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell, in which she said she never saw inappropriate conduct by Donald Trump and denied a 'client list' existed.
Courts
Second judge denied DOJ bid to unseal Epstein grand jury files
A federal judge in New York rejected DOJ's request to unseal grand jury material from the Epstein investigation, after the judge overseeing Maxwell's case had already declined a similar request.
Investigations
Comer subpoenaed the Clintons and ex-officials in Epstein probe
House Oversight Chairman James Comer issued deposition subpoenas to Bill and Hillary Clinton, several former attorneys general, and former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller.
Investigations
Maxwell's House deposition postponed pending Supreme Court case
James Comer's subpoenaed deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell was postponed to at least October, pending the Supreme Court's consideration of her appeal; her lawyers said she would plead the Fifth without congressional immunity.
Courts
Maxwell moved to a lower-security Texas prison after DOJ interview
The Bureau of Prisons transferred Ghislaine Maxwell from a low-security Florida prison to a minimum-security camp in Texas shortly after her interview with Deputy AG Todd Blanche; victims' advocates called it preferential treatment.
Investigations
Deputy AG Blanche began interviewing Maxwell over two days
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, with an FBI agent and a deputy marshal present, interviewed Ghislaine Maxwell with her attorneys present, the first of two days of DOJ questioning following backlash over the 'no further disclosure' memo.
Investigations
Report said Bondi told Trump his name was in Epstein files
CNN reported, corroborating a Wall Street Journal account, that Attorney General Bondi had briefed President Trump that his name appeared in the Epstein files.
Investigations
House panel voted to subpoena DOJ for Epstein files
A House Oversight subcommittee voted 8-2, with three Republicans joining Democrats, to authorize a subpoena compelling DOJ to turn over Epstein-related files.
Courts
Judge denied unsealing 2005-2007 Florida grand jury records
A federal judge denied DOJ's request to unseal 2005 and 2007 Florida grand jury records in the Epstein case, ruling that appeals-court precedent left her no discretion even though the government did not oppose disclosure.
Investigations
House Oversight subpoenaed Maxwell for a prison deposition
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer subpoenaed Ghislaine Maxwell for a deposition at her federal prison, part of the committee's push for information about Jeffrey Epstein's associates.
Courts
DOJ asked court to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts
The Justice Department asked a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts from the Epstein criminal investigation.
Courts
Trump sued the Wall Street Journal over the birthday-letter story
Donald Trump filed a $10 billion defamation suit against Dow Jones, News Corp, Rupert Murdoch and two reporters over the Wall Street Journal's Epstein birthday-letter story, denying he wrote the letter, and directed DOJ to seek unsealing of grand jury records.
Investigations
WSJ reported a birthday letter bearing Trump's name to Epstein
The Wall Street Journal reported that a bawdy letter attributed to Donald Trump appeared in a 50th-birthday album Ghislaine Maxwell compiled for Jeffrey Epstein; Trump called the story fake and threatened to sue.
Politics
Trump's own supporters criticized DOJ's handling of the Epstein memo
A backlash grew among President Trump's supporters after DOJ said no Epstein 'client list' existed and no further files would be released, with figures such as Tucker Carlson and Laura Loomer criticizing the handling and some calling for Bondi's resignation.
Reporting
Report said Bongino weighed resigning over Epstein memo fallout
Sources said Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino was considering resigning after a tense meeting with Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel over the Epstein memo and a report the FBI wanted more material released.
Investigations
Analysis found DOJ's 'raw' Epstein video was likely modified
Wired reported that metadata in DOJ's 'full raw' Epstein prison video showed editing-software traces from a roughly 23-minute session, raising doubts about the 'raw' label, though some experts said it could reflect format conversion.
Statements
DOJ memo found no Epstein 'client list' existed
An unsigned DOJ/FBI memo said an exhaustive review found no incriminating Epstein 'client list' and no basis to investigate uncharged associates, reaffirmed his suicide, and said no further files would be released; the finding contradicted Bondi's February claim.
CBS NewsU.S. Department of Justice / Federal Bureau of Investigation
File releases
DOJ released 11 hours of Epstein prison surveillance footage
Alongside its no-client-list memo, DOJ published nearly 11 hours of what it called 'full raw' surveillance video from outside Jeffrey Epstein's cell, saying it showed no one entered overnight and supported the suicide finding.
Statements
Musk claimed Trump was 'in the Epstein files' amid feud
Amid a public falling-out with President Trump over federal spending legislation, Elon Musk posted that Trump 'is in the Epstein files,' offering no evidence; Musk later deleted the post, and no official source confirmed the claim.
Deaths
A prominent Epstein accuser died by suicide at 41
One of the most prominent public accusers of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell died by suicide at her farm in Western Australia, her publicist confirmed.
File releases
DOJ released first phase of declassified Epstein files
DOJ and the FBI released a first tranche of Epstein-related records, including an evidence list, flight logs and a redacted contact book; DOJ said the files were mostly previously leaked material, and Bondi said the FBI would turn over more.
Statements
Bondi said an Epstein 'client list' was on her desk
Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News an Epstein-related client list was 'sitting on my desk right now' for review, calling it a directive from President Trump; DOJ said in July no such list existed.
Arrest, death, and Maxwell
2024
Courts
Appeals court affirmed Maxwell's conviction and sentence
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Ghislaine Maxwell's 2021 conviction and 20-year sentence, rejecting her arguments that Epstein's non-prosecution agreement should have barred her prosecution.
File releases
Released transcripts showed Florida prosecutors knew of abuse claims by 2006
A Florida judge released about 150 pages of transcripts from the 2006 grand jury that investigated Jeffrey Epstein, showing prosecutors had testimony describing abuse of girls as young as 14 roughly two years before his 2008 plea deal.
Congress
DeSantis signed law allowing release of Epstein grand jury files
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law permitting release of grand jury testimony when the subject is deceased, creating an exception that authorized disclosure of the 2006 Epstein grand jury materials starting July 2024.
Statements
London police said no new probe of Andrew after unsealing
London's Metropolitan Police said it would not open a new investigation into Prince Andrew following the January 2024 unsealing of the Epstein-related court documents.
File releases
Court unsealed filings from an accuser's suit against Maxwell, naming Epstein associates
A federal court unsealed hundreds of pages from an accuser's settled defamation suit against Ghislaine Maxwell, naming roughly 150 Epstein acquaintances; the court stressed a name's inclusion did not indicate any allegation against that person.
2023
Statements
UK regulator fined and banned Staley over Epstein disclosures
Britain's Financial Conduct Authority fined former Barclays CEO Jes Staley over £1.8 million and banned him from senior finance roles, finding he misled the regulator about the extent of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Settlements
JPMorgan settled its claim against Staley confidentially
JPMorgan Chase reached a confidential settlement with former executive Jes Staley the same day it agreed to pay the U.S. Virgin Islands $75 million, resolving its claim seeking to hold him liable for Epstein-related damages.
Settlements
JPMorgan agreed to pay Virgin Islands $75 million over Epstein
JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay the U.S. Virgin Islands $75 million to settle its lawsuit alleging the bank knowingly benefited from Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking operation, without admitting liability.
Courts
Suit accused Leon Black of raping a teenager at Epstein's townhouse
A federal lawsuit accused billionaire Leon Black of raping an autistic teenage girl in 2002 at Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan townhouse; Black's attorney denied the allegations.
Investigations
Inspector general found staff misconduct in Epstein's jail death
The DOJ inspector general found that negligence and misconduct by Bureau of Prisons staff, including inadequate monitoring and a malfunctioning camera system, contributed to Jeffrey Epstein's August 2019 death, and again found no evidence of foul play.
Al JazeeraU.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General
Settlements
JPMorgan agreed to pay $290 million to settle with Epstein survivors
JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $290 million to settle a class action by Epstein survivors who alleged the bank ignored internal warnings and kept Jeffrey Epstein as a client from 1998 to 2013; the bank did not admit wrongdoing.
Courts
Court denied Staley's bid to dismiss Epstein-ties suit
A court denied former JPMorgan executive Jes Staley's bid to dismiss the suit over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Courts
Judge ordered JPMorgan's Dimon to be deposed in Epstein lawsuits
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon was scheduled to be deposed in Epstein-related suits brought by the U.S. Virgin Islands and a survivor, after a judge let the cases proceed past initial dismissal; the bank denied liability.
Courts
Judge let core Virgin Islands claim against JPMorgan proceed
A federal judge denied in part JPMorgan's bid to dismiss the U.S. Virgin Islands' lawsuit, letting the core claim that the bank knowingly benefited from Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking proceed, while dismissing three other counts.
Courts
JPMorgan sued ex-executive Staley over Epstein ties
JPMorgan Chase filed a claim against former private-banking chief Jes Staley, seeking to hold him liable for damages in Epstein-related suits and claw back his pay, accusing him of hiding the nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
2022
Politics
Virgin Islands fired its attorney general after JPMorgan suit
Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. dismissed Attorney General Denise George without giving an official reason, days after she filed the territory's lawsuit against JPMorgan over its handling of Epstein's accounts.
Courts
Virgin Islands sued JPMorgan over Epstein accounts
The U.S. Virgin Islands attorney general sued JPMorgan Chase, alleging the bank knowingly facilitated and concealed Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking operation and ignored suspicious account activity.
Settlements
Epstein estate agreed to pay Virgin Islands over $105 million
Jeffrey Epstein's estate agreed to pay the U.S. Virgin Islands more than $105 million, plus island-sale proceeds and environmental funds, to settle the territory's suit alleging he ran a trafficking operation from his properties.
Courts
Epstein accusers sued Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan
Two unnamed Epstein accusers filed separate proposed class actions against Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan Chase, alleging the banks ignored suspicious activity and profited from Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking; one suit alleged ties to a former JPMorgan executive.
Courts
Maxwell appealed her conviction and 20-year sentence
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyers filed a notice of appeal of her conviction and sentence with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Verdicts
Maxwell sentenced to 20 years for Epstein sex-trafficking
A federal judge sentenced Ghislaine Maxwell to 20 years in prison and a $750,000 fine for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of underage girls, after prosecutors sought 30 to 55 years and the defense sought about five.
Courts
Judge denied Maxwell a new trial over a juror's history
A judge denied Ghislaine Maxwell's motion for a new trial over a juror's undisclosed history of sexual abuse, ruling the juror testified credibly that the omission was not deliberate, so her conviction stood.
Courts
Court dismissed an accuser's case against Andrew after settlement
A U.S. judge dismissed an accuser's lawsuit against Prince Andrew following their settlement; Britain's Treasury said no public funds were used in the accord.
Deaths
Ex-Epstein associate Jean-Luc Brunel found dead in French jail
Jean-Luc Brunel was found dead in his Paris prison cell while awaiting trial on rape and trafficking charges connected to Jeffrey Epstein; unnamed sources said he had been hanged, and victims' lawyers said they were denied a trial.
Settlements
Prince Andrew settled an accuser's abuse lawsuit
Prince Andrew and the accuser who sued him settled her civil lawsuit for an undisclosed sum; Andrew expressed regret over his Epstein association and acknowledged her as an established victim of abuse, without admitting the allegations.
Statements
Queen stripped Prince Andrew of military and royal roles
A day after a judge refused to dismiss an accuser's suit against him, Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth II had stripped Prince Andrew of his military affiliations and royal patronages; he would defend the case as a private citizen.
Courts
Judge let an accuser's lawsuit against Prince Andrew proceed
A federal judge denied Prince Andrew's motion to dismiss an accuser's lawsuit, ruling that her 2009 settlement with Jeffrey Epstein did not clearly shield Andrew.
2021
Verdicts
Maxwell convicted of sex trafficking girls for Epstein
A Manhattan jury found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty on five of six counts, including sex-trafficking conspiracy and trafficking a minor, for recruiting teenage girls for Jeffrey Epstein between 1994 and 2004; she was acquitted on one count.
Courts
Maxwell's federal sex-trafficking trial opened in Manhattan
Ghislaine Maxwell's federal sex-trafficking trial opened with a seated jury; prosecutors described a scheme in which Maxwell recruited and groomed underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein, while the defense cast her as a scapegoat.
Courts
Judge denied Maxwell's fourth bail bid before trial
A federal judge rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's fourth bail application ahead of trial, finding a $28.5 million bail package would not offset her flight risk.
Courts
An accuser sued Prince Andrew over alleged abuse at 17
A woman who says Jeffrey Epstein trafficked her sued Prince Andrew in Manhattan federal court alleging he sexually abused her at 17 in London, Manhattan and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Andrew denied the claims.
Settlements
Epstein victims' fund closed after paying about $125 million
The Epstein Victims' Compensation Program ended its claims process about a year after opening, having paid roughly $121-125 million to about 150 of the 225 people who applied.
Reporting
Report tied Gates divorce talks to Epstein ties
Citing the Wall Street Journal, reports said Melinda Gates began consulting divorce lawyers in 2019 after her husband Bill Gates's ties to Jeffrey Epstein became public; the couple announced their divorce days earlier.
Statements
Apollo's Leon Black stepped down after Epstein-ties review
Leon Black said he would step down as Apollo Global Management's CEO after an independent review found he paid Jeffrey Epstein $158 million for advisory services and loans between 2012 and 2017; the review found no evidence of wrongdoing by Black.
2020
Arrests and charges
Modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel arrested in Epstein probe
French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, a longtime Epstein associate, was detained in Paris on suspicion of supplying underage girls from his agency for Jeffrey Epstein to abuse; he was later charged with rape and trafficking of minors.
Investigations
Report said Leon Black paid Epstein at least $50 million
The New York Times reported Apollo co-founder Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein at least $50 million for advisory services after Epstein's 2008 conviction; Black called the arrangement a mistake.
File releases
Court prepared to unseal more Maxwell-related records
A court prepared to unseal a large cache of records from an accuser's 2015 defamation case against Ghislaine Maxwell, including Maxwell's deposition and Epstein correspondence, following Maxwell's criminal indictment.
Courts
Judge denied bail for Ghislaine Maxwell
A federal judge denied bail for Ghislaine Maxwell, who had pleaded not guilty to charges tied to Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of minors, finding she posed a substantial flight risk.
Settlements
Deutsche Bank fined $150 million over Epstein banking ties
New York regulators fined Deutsche Bank $150 million for oversight failures in maintaining a banking relationship with Jeffrey Epstein from 2013 to 2018.
Arrests and charges
Ghislaine Maxwell arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges
The FBI arrested Ghislaine Maxwell in New Hampshire; prosecutors charged her with conspiracy, enticing and transporting minors for sex, and perjury, alleging she helped Jeffrey Epstein recruit and abuse girls as young as 14 in the 1990s.
Settlements
Epstein victims' compensation fund began accepting claims
People who say they were sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein, many as underage girls, could begin filing claims for compensation through a fund that opened on June 25, 2020.
Courts
US Virgin Islands sued Epstein's estate over island abuse claims
The U.S. Virgin Islands government sued Jeffrey Epstein's estate, alleging he trafficked and abused minors on his private islands, and sought forfeiture of the islands and dissolution of related shell companies.
2019
Statements
Prince Andrew stepped back from royal duties over Epstein ties
Prince Andrew said Queen Elizabeth II had allowed him to step back from public royal duties 'for the foreseeable future,' saying his association with Jeffrey Epstein had become a 'major disruption' to the family's work.
Arrests and charges
Two jail guards charged over checks the night Epstein died
Federal prosecutors charged two Metropolitan Correctional Center officers with conspiracy and falsifying records, alleging they skipped required checks on Jeffrey Epstein and faked log entries before his death; both took deferred-prosecution deals, and a judge dismissed the charges in January 2022.
CBS NewsU.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York
Statements
Prisons chief testified on guards sleeping on duty after Epstein's death
Bureau of Prisons Director Kathleen Hawk Sawyer told the Senate Judiciary Committee that guards sometimes sleep on duty, calling it 'dangerous to everybody,' hours after two officers were charged over inadequate monitoring of Jeffrey Epstein.
Statements
Prince Andrew's TV interview on Epstein drew wide criticism
In a BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew faced calls afterward to speak with the FBI and lost charity patronages; an accuser has said Andrew had sexual contact with her at 17, which he denies.
Statements
Epstein estate proposed a victims' compensation program
Executors of Jeffrey Epstein's estate filed papers seeking court approval for a victims' compensation program, run in part by Kenneth Feinberg, offering a confidential alternative to suing the estate.
Reporting
Pathologist hired by Epstein's brother questioned suicide finding
Forensic pathologist Michael Baden, who observed Jeffrey Epstein's autopsy for Epstein's brother, said neck-bone fractures were unusual for suicidal hanging; the city's chief medical examiner strongly disputed the claim.
Courts
A woman who sued Epstein's estate named four women as his alleged enablers
In an amended complaint, the woman who sued Epstein's estate in August identified Ghislaine Maxwell and three former Epstein staff members she said helped arrange and conceal his abuse of her as a teenager; one named attorney disputed the claims against her client.
Investigations
Prosecutors kept probing Epstein's alleged network after his death
CNN reported that federal prosecutors were examining women, including Ghislaine Maxwell, whom accusers say helped recruit and manage victims for Jeffrey Epstein, after pledging to continue the investigation following his death.
Statements
Harvard disclosed $8.9 million in past Epstein gifts
Harvard President Lawrence Bacow disclosed the university received about $8.9 million from Jeffrey Epstein between 1998 and 2007, all before his 2008 guilty plea, and pledged to redirect leftover funds to survivor-support groups.
Statements
MIT Media Lab director resigned over concealed Epstein donations
Joi Ito resigned as MIT Media Lab director and professor, a day after a New Yorker investigation reported the lab solicited and concealed Epstein-linked donations beyond what MIT had disclosed.
Investigations
New Yorker reported MIT Media Lab concealed Epstein-linked gifts
Ronan Farrow reported that internal MIT Media Lab documents showed the lab, under director Joi Ito, solicited and accepted Epstein-connected donations far exceeding the roughly $800,000 MIT had publicly acknowledged, and recorded some gifts as anonymous.
Courts
Judge dismissed Epstein's criminal case after his death
A federal judge formally dismissed the sex-trafficking indictment against Jeffrey Epstein, as required after a defendant's death, while entering victims' statements into the record; prosecutors said the investigation of possible co-conspirators would continue.
Statements
Epstein accusers addressed a courtroom after his death
About 20 women addressed a New York federal court at a hearing held after Jeffrey Epstein's death, with an accuser calling him a coward who had 'robbed' victims of confronting him in court.
Statements
MIT apologized for accepting roughly $800,000 from Epstein
MIT President L. Rafael Reif said Jeffrey Epstein's foundations had given the university about $800,000 over 20 years, mostly to the Media Lab, called it a mistake in judgment, and apologized to Epstein's victims.
Statements
Barr replaced acting federal prisons director after Epstein death
Attorney General William Barr removed Hugh Hurwitz as acting director of the Bureau of Prisons, replacing him with former director Kathleen Hawk Sawyer, amid scrutiny following Jeffrey Epstein's death.
Deaths
Medical examiner ruled Epstein's death a suicide by hanging
New York City's chief medical examiner ruled that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide via hanging, saying the finding came from weighing all available evidence together.
Courts
A woman sued Epstein's estate and Maxwell under new abuse law
A woman filed one of the first suits under New York's newly effective Child Victims Act, naming Jeffrey Epstein's estate, Ghislaine Maxwell and three then-unidentified staffers, alleging she was recruited and later raped as a teenager.
Congress
New York's Child Victims Act lookback window took effect
New York's one-year Child Victims Act 'lookback window' opened, letting survivors of past child sexual abuse file previously time-barred civil suits against individual abusers and institutions.
Statements
Jail warden reassigned, two guards put on leave after Epstein death
Attorney General Barr directed the Bureau of Prisons to temporarily reassign the Metropolitan Correctional Center's warden and place two guards from Jeffrey Epstein's unit on administrative leave pending investigations.
Statements
Barr cited 'serious irregularities' in Epstein's jail death
Attorney General William Barr said the Justice Department was learning of 'serious irregularities' at the jail where Jeffrey Epstein died and demanded a thorough investigation and accountability.
Investigations
FBI searched Epstein's private Caribbean island
FBI agents searched Jeffrey Epstein's Little St. James island in the U.S. Virgin Islands two days after his death, with the U.S. Attorney's office saying the sex-trafficking investigation remained ongoing.
Investigations
House Judiciary demanded answers on Epstein's jail death
House Judiciary Committee leaders sent the acting federal prisons chief a bipartisan letter with 23 questions about Jeffrey Epstein's custody and death, seeking details on suicide-watch decisions, staffing and monitoring.
Deaths
Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in an apparent suicide
Jeffrey Epstein was found unresponsive in his Metropolitan Correctional Center cell and pronounced dead on August 10, 2019; officials said he had hanged himself, and Attorney General William Barr said the death 'raises serious questions.'
Investigations
FBI and DOJ inspector general opened probe into Epstein's death
The FBI and the Justice Department's inspector general said they would investigate how Jeffrey Epstein died by apparent suicide at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, while officials said the broader sex-trafficking investigation would continue.
File releases
Court unsealed documents from an accuser's defamation case against Maxwell
The Second Circuit unsealed documents from an accuser's defamation lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell, filed after Maxwell called her abuse allegations a lie; the material was released the day before Epstein's death.
File releases
Epstein signed a new will two days before he died
Probate records showed Jeffrey Epstein signed a new will on August 8, 2019, placing his roughly $577.6 million estate into a newly created trust rather than leaving assets directly to his brother.
Statements
Wexner accused Epstein of misappropriating his fortune
Billionaire Leslie Wexner said his former money manager, Jeffrey Epstein, 'misappropriated vast sums of money' from him and his family, including a $47 million donation Epstein made to Wexner's foundation, calling himself 'deceived.'
Courts
Judge denied Epstein bail before trial
A federal judge denied Jeffrey Epstein bail, ruling he posed a danger to the community and a flight risk, and rejected a defense proposal for home confinement backed by his Manhattan mansion.
Courts
Cash and a fake-name passport found in Epstein mansion search
At a Manhattan bail hearing, prosecutors said a search of Jeffrey Epstein's mansion turned up cash, diamonds and an expired passport under a false name, arguing he posed an extraordinary flight risk; the defense sought home confinement.
Statements
Acosta resigned as Labor Secretary over Epstein deal fallout
Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta resigned amid renewed scrutiny of the lenient 2008 non-prosecution deal he negotiated with Jeffrey Epstein as U.S. Attorney; President Trump named Deputy Secretary Patrick Pizzella acting secretary.
Statements
Acosta defended his handling of Epstein's 2008 plea deal
Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta held a press conference defending his role, as the former U.S. Attorney who negotiated Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 plea deal, calling Epstein's conduct 'despicable' but offering no apology to victims.
Statements
House Oversight said it would hold a hearing on Acosta's Epstein deal
The House Oversight Committee announced it would hold a hearing examining Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta's role in authorizing Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution deal, and asked for an update on DOJ's internal-misconduct probe.
Statements
Trump said he was 'not a fan' of Epstein after the arrest
President Trump told reporters he was 'not a fan' of Jeffrey Epstein and that the two had a 'falling out,' declining to say what caused it, a day after Epstein's sex-trafficking indictment was unsealed.
Courts
Epstein pleaded not guilty to federal sex-trafficking charges
At his arraignment in Manhattan federal court, Jeffrey Epstein pleaded not guilty to the federal sex-trafficking charges; prosecutors said they would seek his pretrial detention.
Courts
Unsealed indictment charged Epstein with sex-trafficking conspiracy
Prosecutors unsealed a two-count federal indictment charging Jeffrey Epstein with sex-trafficking conspiracy and trafficking minors, alleging he abused dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005.
Arrests and charges
Epstein arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in New York on federal sex-trafficking charges, days after an appeals court ordered related civil records unsealed, amid renewed scrutiny of his secret 2008 plea deal.
Courts
Appeals court ordered release of sealed Epstein-related records
A federal appeals court ordered previously sealed documents from an Epstein-linked defamation case unsealed, following an appeal by the Miami Herald and reporter Julie Brown.
Courts
Judge ruled prosecutors broke the law hiding Epstein's plea deal
A federal judge ruled that prosecutors, led at the time by Alexander Acosta, violated crime victims' rights by concealing Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution agreement and misleading victims about the case's status.
Investigations
DOJ opened internal probe into Epstein's 2008 plea deal
The Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility opened an investigation into possible prosecutorial misconduct over the secrecy of Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 plea deal, responding to Sen. Sasse's request.
The Florida case
2018
Statements
Senator Sasse urged DOJ to probe handling of Epstein's 2008 deal
Sen. Ben Sasse asked the Justice Department to investigate whether federal officials, including former prosecutor Alexander Acosta, committed misconduct negotiating Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 plea deal, days after the Miami Herald's investigation.
Settlements
Epstein settled Edwards defamation suit as trial neared
Jeffrey Epstein settled a defamation lawsuit brought by attorney Bradley Edwards as jury selection was starting; Edwards's lawyer called it a personal vindication, while a related Crime Victims' Rights Act suit continued.
Investigations
Miami Herald's 'Perversion of Justice' investigation revived Epstein scrutiny
The Miami Herald published its 'Perversion of Justice' investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution deal and its victims, including a companion piece cataloguing prominent people connected to him; the series prompted renewed calls for federal review.
2017
Settlements
An accuser and Maxwell settled her defamation lawsuit
An accuser and Ghislaine Maxwell settled her 2015 defamation suit, in which she said Maxwell had called 'obvious lies' her claim that Maxwell helped recruit her and other victims into Epstein's trafficking operation; settlement terms were not disclosed.
2016
Settlements
Dershowitz settled defamation suit with accusers' former lawyers
Attorneys Bradley Edwards and Paul Cassell settled their defamation suit against Alan Dershowitz, calling the earlier allegations against him 'a tactical mistake'; an accuser, separately represented, was not party to the settlement and said she stood by her allegations.
2015
Courts
Judge struck Dershowitz and Andrew allegations from Epstein case file
A federal judge ruled two women could not join a suit over Epstein's non-prosecution deal and ordered their allegations against Alan Dershowitz and Prince Andrew struck from the record as unnecessary; both men denied the allegations and called the ruling a vindication.
File releases
Gawker published Epstein's redacted 'little black book'
Gawker published a redacted contacts book that had surfaced in court; Epstein's former house manager, Alfredo Rodriguez, had circled roughly 50 entries before trying to sell the book, which led to his own obstruction-of-justice conviction. Gawker withheld minors' contact details.
File releases
Gawker published Epstein's private-jet flight logs
Gawker published Jeffrey Epstein's flight logs, reporting Bill Clinton took multiple 2002-2003 trips alongside Ghislaine Maxwell, and that Alan Dershowitz had also flown with Epstein repeatedly since 1997; the named individuals denied wrongdoing.
Courts
Dershowitz and accusers' lawyers sued each other for defamation
After Alan Dershowitz moved to contest misconduct allegations against him in the Florida CVRA case, attorneys Bradley Edwards and Paul Cassell filed a defamation suit against him; Dershowitz called their claims false and said he welcomed testifying under oath.
File releases
Unsealed court papers named Prince Andrew in an Epstein-era abuse claim
Unsealed U.S. court filings in a case over Epstein's 2008 plea deal named Prince Andrew after an accuser alleged Epstein forced her to have sex with him three times starting at 17; Buckingham Palace called the claim false.
2012
Courts
Epstein dropped suit accusing his victims' attorney of extortion
Jeffrey Epstein dropped his civil suit against Ponzi-scheme operator Scott Rothstein and Rothstein's former law partner, victims' attorney Bradley Edwards, a day before a scheduled hearing; Edwards's attorney said Epstein had filed the claims to pressure Edwards into abandoning suits filed on victims' behalf.
2011
Courts
New York court upheld Epstein's Level 3 sex-offender status
A New York state appeals court upheld Jeffrey Epstein's classification as a Level 3 sex offender, meaning the state considered him a high risk to reoffend, based on his 2008 Florida conviction.
Politics
Prince Andrew quit as UK trade envoy amid Epstein scrutiny
Prince Andrew stepped down as Britain's special trade envoy, a post he had held a decade, four months after his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein drew public criticism.
Statements
Epstein said he was an 'offender,' not a 'predator'
After a Manhattan judge ruled him a Level 3 sex offender over his 2008 Florida conviction, Jeffrey Epstein told the New York Post he was not a 'sexual predator,' comparing the distinction to 'the difference between a murderer and a person who steals a bagel.'
2008
Verdicts
Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida, got 18 months and house arrest
Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida state court to soliciting prostitution from underage girls; a judge sentenced him to 18 months in county jail plus a year of house arrest and sex-offender registration, a deal Palm Beach's police chief publicly called too lenient.
Courts
Third civil suit accused Epstein of abusing a 16-year-old
A third plaintiff, identified only as Jane Doe No. 3, sued Jeffrey Epstein in federal court, alleging sexual contact during a massage at his Palm Beach home when she was 16, and sought more than $50 million.
Courts
Second civil suit accused Epstein of teen sex abuse
An anonymous plaintiff, identified only as Jane Doe, filed a second civil suit seeking $50 million from Jeffrey Epstein, alleging sexual abuse of a teenager.
2007
Reporting
New York magazine profiled Epstein as 'the Fantasist'
New York magazine published a profile of Jeffrey Epstein, 'The Fantasist,' examining his background and social persona while the Florida sex-crimes case against him proceeded.
Courts
A woman sued Epstein over alleged abuse at age 16
A woman filed a civil suit in New York accusing financier Jeffrey Epstein of sexually abusing her at 16 after promising to help her modeling career; other women reportedly weighed similar claims.
Courts
Epstein signed a federal non-prosecution deal, kept from victims
U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta's office signed a non-prosecution agreement with Jeffrey Epstein on September 24, 2007, ending the federal sex-trafficking investigation in exchange for a state guilty plea; a 2020 DOJ review found victims were never told before it was signed.
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Professional Responsibility
2006
Reporting
Palm Beach Post profiled Epstein's wealth and alleged pursuit of teenage girls
The Palm Beach Post profiled Jeffrey Epstein's wealth and social connections, reporting that investigators believed he sought out underage girls.
Arrests and charges
Palm Beach grand jury charged Epstein with prostitution solicitation
A Palm Beach County grand jury indicted Jeffrey Epstein on one count of soliciting prostitution, concluding a lengthy police investigation into allegations that he abused underage girls.
File releases
Palm Beach police's probable-cause affidavit on Epstein became public
The Smoking Gun published the Palm Beach Police Department's probable-cause affidavit describing its investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, laid out ahead of the criminal charges.
2005
Investigations
Palm Beach police opened an investigation into Epstein
Palm Beach police began investigating Jeffrey Epstein in March 2005 after a 14-year-old girl's parents said he had paid her for a massage, launching an inquiry that later found a broader pattern of abuse.
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Professional ResponsibilityAssociated Press
Before 2005
2004
Relationships
Trump and Epstein reportedly fell out over a Palm Beach mansion bid
Trump and Epstein competed to buy an oceanfront Palm Beach mansion at a bankruptcy auction; Trump won for $41.35 million in November 2004, and the rivalry reportedly helped end their friendship. A separate account instead dates the break to a 2007 Mar-a-Lago incident.
2003
Relationships
Friends compiled a bawdy 50th-birthday album for Epstein
Around Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003, Ghislaine Maxwell compiled an album of letters from friends; a letter later attributed to Donald Trump surfaced in 2025 reporting, though Trump denies writing it and sued over the story.
2002
Statements
Trump called Epstein a 'terrific guy' in a 2002 magazine profile
In a 2002 New York magazine profile of Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump said, "I've known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy... it is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side."
1992
Relationships
1992 video showed Trump and Epstein socializing at Mar-a-Lago
NBC News aired a November 1992 tape, shot for a talk-show profile of Trump, showing him and Jeffrey Epstein at a Mar-a-Lago party watching and commenting on women on the dance floor; the two moved in the same social circuit by the early 1990s.