The second batch of documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act has delivered a chilling, granular look into the machinery of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse network. Released by the Justice Department on Saturday, the files include 2019 federal grand jury testimony from an FBI agent, detailing systematic abuse in New York and Florida, Ghislaine Maxwell’s integral role, and even a recorded missed call from Donald Trump.
The Grand Jury Testimony: A Pattern of Escalating Abuse
The testimony of an FBI agent in front of a 2019 grand jury is at the heart of the recent revelation. A deliberate pattern emerged from the agent’s summary of interviews with several victims. Girls would initially be brought to Epstein’s homes for what was presented as a massage. The agent testified that victims said “things progressed each additional time,” describing a grooming process designed to break down barriers and normalize sexual abuse. This testimony formally outlines the criminal scope of Epstein’s operations across multiple states.
Also Read: Bangladesh Unrest: Hindu Man Lynched, Tied to Tree and Set on Fire; 7 Arrested in the Case
Ghislaine Maxwell: The “Cool Older Sister” Who Facilitated Abuse
The testimony provides stark detail on Ghislaine Maxwell’s methods and direct involvement. One survivor described Maxwell as acting “like a cool older sister” who would coax them with comments like, “This is what grownups do.” The FBI agent described speaking with three women who had been molested by Epstein as minors while Maxwell was either waiting outside or in the room. These episodes, which involved Epstein’s homes in Palm Beach, New York, New Mexico, and London, demonstrated the partnership’s global reach.
A Chilling Case: The 14-Year-Old and the Schoolgirl Outfit
One particularly disturbing account involved a victim who was 14 at the time of her first abuse. The agent testified that after the initial assault, Maxwell called the girl and said, in essence, “Well, aren’t you a clever girl, Jeffrey was very impressed.” This chilling praise served to manipulate and entrap. The abuse continued for years, with the victim flown around the world. In a separate incident after she turned 18, Maxwell presented her with a schoolgirl outfit laid out on a bed, suggesting she serve Epstein his tea while wearing it. The victim complied, after which Epstein assaulted her. Law enforcement later recovered a schoolgirl outfit from Epstein’s New York mansion in 2019.
The Evidence: Messages, a Raid, and a Missed Call
The grand jury was also shown evidence from a 2005 police raid on Epstein’s Palm Beach home. Items seized included a massage table, sex toys, and message pads. One handwritten note read, “She has a female for Mr. JE,” alongside a date of birth. A series of 18 similar message slips were shown from 2019, with callers largely redacted. One of them was a slip that mentioned a missed call from Donald Trump that was recorded at 5:18 p.m., but it didn’t include a date or any context. A female attempting to contact “JE” to talk about college was depicted in another message.
The Recruiting Pipeline: Victims Recruiting Victims
A key revelation from the FBI agent’s testimony was the operational model of using victims to recruit others. The agent stated Epstein used his victims to “recruit other young girls,” building a self-perpetuating cycle that expanded his victim pool and offered him a layer of insulation. This tactic, outlined under oath, highlights the calculated and predatory nature of the network.
Also Read: How Long Can Indians Stay in the US? Embassy Clarifies Key Rule for Indian Travelers