By Steve Neavling
Attorney General Pam Bondi has accused federal investigators of withholding thousands of pages of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and has ordered the FBI to turn over all records by Friday morning.
In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Bondi demanded an explanation for why the agency allegedly failed to disclose the existence of key files in the Epstein probe, BBC reports.
“Late yesterday, I learned from a source that the FBI Field Office in New York was in possession of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein,” she wrote. “Despite my repeated requests, the FBI never disclosed the existence of the files.”
Bondi directed Patel to conduct an internal investigation and submit a report within 14 days outlining findings and any personnel actions.
“You will deliver to me a comprehensive report of your findings and proposed personnel action within 14 days,” she wrote.
On Thursday, Bondi released what she called the “first phase” of newly declassified Epstein files. The batch contained flight logs from Epstein’s private jet and a partially redacted “contacts list” but did not include major new allegations or revelations about his associates.
The documents were first handed over to conservative influencers, including Rogan O’Handley, known as DC Draino, and Chaya Raichik, the creator of Libs of TikTok.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who leads a House Republican transparency task force, criticized the limited release.
“I nor the task force were given or reviewed the Epstein documents being released today,” Luna posted on X. “This is not what we or the American people asked for and a complete disappointment.”
The FBI director said the agency was committed to full disclosure.
“There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned,” Patel wrote on X. “We are entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.”
Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges and died by suicide while awaiting trial.
President Donald Trump previously pledged to release the so-called “Epstein list,” a rumored document some believe could link high-profile individuals to sex crimes. Republican lawmakers have urged Bondi to ensure full transparency in the document release.
The Justice Department said the declassified records largely contain materials that had previously leaked but had never been formally released by the government.
