Case Timeline
A chronological record of key events, document releases, and legal milestones — from the first Palm Beach investigation through the 2026 document releases.
House Oversight Committee Publishes Epstein Network Report
The House Oversight Committee publishes a comprehensive report on Epstein's associates and financial network, based on documents obtained through congressional subpoenas.
DOJ Releases 3 Million+ Pages
The Department of Justice releases over 3 million pages across 12 datasets from the Epstein investigation, the largest single batch to date.
DOJ Second Release — Grand Jury Transcripts
The DOJ releases a second tranche of documents including grand jury transcripts from the original 2006 investigation, providing new details about early decisions not to prosecute.
FBI Vault Updated to Part 22
The FBI Vault Epstein collection is updated to include Parts 1 through 22 of FOIA-released documents.
Epstein Files Transparency Act Signed
President signs the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law, mandating the release of government-held documents related to the case.
DOJ Epstein Transparency Act Signed into Law
The Epstein Transparency Act is signed, mandating the Department of Justice to release all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal case, including grand jury materials, within 180 days.
DOJ Releases First Document Batch — 3.5 Million Pages
The Department of Justice releases its first tranche of Epstein-related files, totaling over 3.5 million pages. The release includes FBI investigative files, grand jury materials, and communications.
Initial Document Batch Released
The Department of Justice releases the first batch of documents under the Transparency Act, including previously sealed court filings.
FBI Vault Releases Epstein Investigative Files
The FBI releases its full investigative files on the Epstein case via the FBI Vault, including surveillance records, financial investigations, and communication logs.
Court Unseals Epstein-Related Documents
A federal appeals court orders the unsealing of documents related to a civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, naming dozens of individuals.
Maxwell Sentenced to 20 Years
Ghislaine Maxwell is sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
Ghislaine Maxwell Convicted
A federal jury convicts Ghislaine Maxwell on five of six counts, including sex trafficking of a minor. She is later sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Maxwell Found Guilty
A federal jury convicts Ghislaine Maxwell on five of six counts, including sex trafficking of a minor.
Ghislaine Maxwell Arrested
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and alleged co-conspirator, is arrested in Bradford, New Hampshire on federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy.
Ghislaine Maxwell Arrested
Ghislaine Maxwell is arrested in New Hampshire on charges of conspiracy and enticing minors to engage in illegal sex acts.
Epstein Arrested at Teterboro Airport
Jeffrey Epstein is arrested by federal agents upon landing at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. He faces federal charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy.
Epstein Arrested in New York
Jeffrey Epstein is arrested at Teterboro Airport on federal sex trafficking charges filed by the Southern District of New York.
Epstein Denied Bail
A federal judge denies Jeffrey Epstein's request for bail, ruling he poses a danger to the community and a flight risk.
Jeffrey Epstein Found Dead in Federal Custody
Jeffrey Epstein is found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York. The medical examiner rules the death a suicide by hanging. His death triggers widespread conspiracy theories and questions about prison oversight.
Epstein Found Dead in Cell
Jeffrey Epstein is found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. His death is ruled a suicide by the NYC medical examiner.
Miami Herald Publishes 'Perversion of Justice' Investigation
The Miami Herald publishes a landmark investigative series by Julie K. Brown exposing the full scope of Epstein's crimes and the failures of the justice system. The reporting reignites public and legal scrutiny.
Miami Herald 'Perversion of Justice' Series
Julie K. Brown publishes the investigative series 'Perversion of Justice' in the Miami Herald, reigniting public interest.
Virginia Giuffre Files Civil Suit
Virginia Giuffre (née Roberts) files a civil lawsuit naming Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, alleging sex trafficking.
Victims File Lawsuit Challenging NPA
Victims represented by attorney Brad Edwards file suit under the Crime Victims' Rights Act, arguing they were denied rights when prosecutors secretly negotiated the NPA.
Epstein Released from Custody
Epstein is released from the Palm Beach County Stockade after serving 13 months, with work-release privileges.
Epstein Released After 13 Months
Epstein is released after serving 13 months of his 18-month sentence, with a highly controversial work-release program allowing him to leave jail six days a week.
Controversial Plea Deal
Epstein pleads guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution, receives 18-month sentence under a controversial non-prosecution agreement with U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta.
Epstein Pleads Guilty to State Charges, Begins Sentence
Epstein pleads guilty to two state charges in Florida — solicitation of prostitution and solicitation involving a minor — and is sentenced to 18 months in county jail.
Controversial Federal Non-Prosecution Agreement Signed
US Attorney Alexander Acosta signs a secret non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Epstein, granting him and co-conspirators immunity from federal prosecution. Victims are not informed. This agreement becomes a major point of controversy.
FBI Opens Federal Investigation
The FBI initiates a federal investigation into Epstein, expanding the scope beyond Palm Beach County.
Epstein Indicted by Palm Beach Grand Jury
A Florida grand jury indicts Epstein on one count of solicitation of prostitution — a far lesser charge than what federal prosecutors were seeking.
Palm Beach Police Open Investigation into Epstein
Palm Beach Police Department begins investigating Jeffrey Epstein following a complaint from the father of a 14-year-old girl. Detectives identify multiple victims.
Palm Beach Police Begin Investigation
Palm Beach, Florida police launch an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein following a complaint from a parent of a 14-year-old girl.