House Panel Subpoenas Attorney General Bondi on Epstein Investigation
RALEIGH — A U.S. House committee has issued a subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding documents and testimony related to the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network, according to congressional sources.
The House Judiciary Committee served the subpoena Tuesday as part of its ongoing oversight of the Department of Justice’s handling of the high-profile case. Committee Chairman Jim Jordan stated that lawmakers need access to materials that have been withheld from previous requests.
“The American people deserve transparency about how this investigation was conducted and what evidence may have been overlooked,” Jordan said in a statement released by his office.
Subpoena Details
The subpoena seeks all communications between DOJ officials and other federal agencies regarding the Epstein investigation from 2019 to present. It also demands witness interview transcripts and evidence collected during raids on Epstein’s properties.
Congressional investigators want particular focus on decisions made after Epstein’s death in federal custody in August 2019. The committee has given Bondi’s office until April 1 to comply with the document production.
“This subpoena is necessary because previous requests for voluntary cooperation have been inadequate,” said committee spokesperson Russell Dye.
Justice Department Response
The Department of Justice has not yet responded publicly to the subpoena. DOJ officials previously cited ongoing investigations and grand jury secrecy rules as reasons for limiting information shared with Congress.
Bondi, who was confirmed as Attorney General in January, has not made public statements about the Epstein case since taking office. Her predecessor, Merrick Garland, faced similar congressional pressure over the investigation’s handling.
Legal experts noted that the subpoena sets up a potential conflict between the legislative and executive branches over access to sensitive law enforcement materials.
Congressional Oversight
The House Judiciary Committee has been investigating the Epstein case for more than two years. Republicans have criticized what they call insufficient prosecution of Epstein’s associates and alleged co-conspirators.
Committee members want to examine whether plea agreements and immunity deals prevented full accountability in the case. They have also questioned the FBI’s handling of evidence seized from Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse and Florida compound.
The subpoena comes as federal prosecutors continue pursuing cases against several individuals connected to Epstein’s operations. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
Congressional investigators expect the Justice Department to challenge the subpoena in court if negotiations over document production fail. Similar disputes between House committees and executive agencies have frequently resulted in lengthy legal battles.
The committee plans to hold public hearings on the Epstein investigation once it receives the requested materials, according to sources familiar with the panel’s plans.
Sources: NC Newsline
