House inquiry finds federal failures let Epstein evade prosecution after 2005

A Republican-led House inquiry has concluded that federal investigators and prosecutors failed to pursue allegations against Jeffrey Epstein fully, helping him evade federal prosecution after 2005. Its report says some decisions reflected poor judgement, while others may have been influenced by Epstein’s extensive connections; it argues that further crimes could have been prevented.

The 15-month investigation drew on witness interviews, depositions, government files and financial records. It also found institutional failures at the prison where Epstein died in 2019, concerns over the handling of document releases and survivors’ personal information, and alleged that American Express enabled trafficking and immigration fraud. The committee recommended legislation to limit the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence survivors; the Justice Department said its recommendations had already been addressed and that the case remains open.