The Department of Justice has signaled a significant shift in its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network, with prosecutors now seeking cooperation from his convicted accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed Tuesday that, at the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, he has contacted Maxwell’s legal team to assess her willingness to provide information on uncharged individuals who may have been involved in Epstein’s enterprise.
“This Department of Justice does not shy away from uncomfortable truths, nor from the responsibility to pursue justice wherever the facts may lead,” Blanche stated Tuesday on social media.
In a parallel development, the House Oversight Committee voted the same day to subpoena Maxwell, compelling her to appear for a deposition. A committee source confirmed they will move quickly to issue the subpoena and will coordinate with the DOJ and the Bureau of Prisons to schedule her testimony, as she is currently incarcerated.
This new outreach to Maxwell marks a departure from a recent joint statement by the DOJ and FBI. In a controversial July 6 memo signed by FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, the agencies concluded that a thorough review of files had uncovered no new evidence to support charges against additional parties. That announcement followed repeated promises of full transparency from President Donald Trump, Bondi, and other officials.
Blanche reaffirmed the findings of that memo but explained the new effort is to determine if Maxwell herself “has information about anyone who has committed crime against victims.” He added that President Trump had directed them to release all credible evidence.
“I have communicated with counsel for Ms. Maxwell to determine whether she would be willing to speak with prosecutors,” Blanche wrote, noting it was the first time any administration had made such an inquiry. “That changes now.” He added that he “anticipates meeting with Ms. Maxwell in the coming days.”
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, confirmed that they are “in discussions with the government and that Ghislaine will always testify truthfully.”
Separately, a federal judge has paused the government’s effort to unseal grand jury transcripts from Maxwell’s case. In an order filed Tuesday, Judge Paul A. Engelmayer of the Southern District of New York ruled that prosecutors had failed to provide sufficient legal justification for disclosing the sensitive documents. The government must submit a detailed memorandum by July 29.
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein traffic and abuse underage girls. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence and has appealed her conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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