Jeffrey Epstein’s associates to be named in documents released by US court

The judge overseeing the Jeffrey Epstein case is set to begin releasing documents that could name more than 170 individuals associated with the late sex offender.

The court documents feature previously unseen details relating to a 2015 defamation case brought by Virginia Giuffre against Epstein’s British lover and accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking crimes.

The disclosures could shed new light on the sex trafficking network directed by Epstein, who died in 2019.

It is unclear exactly when the documents will be released, though US District Judge Loretta Preska said on Wednesday her court will begin to publish the names “today”.

Epstein is known to have associated with a number of high-profile figures, with the Duke of York and the former US President Bill Clinton expected to be among those named.

The files were previously sealed or heavily redacted, with individuals referred to as John and Jane Does to protect their identities. But in December a New York judge ordered that material that features the names of Epstein’s alleged victims and those connected to him be made public.

Prince Andrew, who has always vehemently denied the allegations against him, has reportedly been “tormented” over the possibility of any new allegations emerging.

He stepped back from public duties following a viral interview with the BBC and lost a series of royal patronages and his military titles in the wake of the case with Ms Giuffre.

Other high-profile figures who have been named are also said to be concerned about the potential ramifications of being associated with Epstein.

Legal analyst Rikki Klieman told CBS News: “I think it’s highly significant for documents to be unsealed so that the complete story of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell can be made public.

“We need to know as members of the public who have an interest in keeping women and young girls, children, safe from predators.”

Individuals identified in the documents were given the opportunity by the judge to petition the court to have their names removed.