DOJ Seeks to Keep Names Secret in Epstein Case, Sparking Outrage
The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to keep the names of two associates who received significant payments from Jeffrey Epstein in 2018 sealed, citing privacy concerns. These payments, totaling $100,000 and $250,000 respectively, were made shortly after the Miami Herald began publishing stories critical of Epstein’s 2008 plea deal. Prosecutors had previously argued the payments were evidence of efforts to influence potential witnesses, who were also given protection from prosecution in the plea agreement. NBC News requested the names be unsealed due to Epstein’s death and the closure of criminal proceedings, but the Justice Department is defending the associates’ privacy interests.
John Q. Hosedrinker