Rep. Melanie Stansbury is calling for greater transparency from the Department of Justice in its handling of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, arguing that key information may be withheld from the public.

In a recent interview, Stansbury said that after reviewing materials available to members of Congress, she believes certain powerful individuals — including prominent political figures and international leaders — are being shielded through redactions. She described the contents of the files as “shocking” and larger in scope than many had anticipated.

Stansbury pointed to specific examples she says raise concerns. In one instance, she described an email exchange involving Epstein and an associate discussing a young woman from Russia. According to Stansbury, the unredacted version of the document identifies the associate as someone who was working in the Kremlin at the time. However, that name was blacked out in publicly released versions. She questioned why such an identity would be concealed, arguing that the law does not require redacting the names of individuals referenced in investigative materials unless specific protections apply.

She suggested that this example is not isolated. After reviewing documents she described as unredacted within secure systems accessible to lawmakers, Stansbury said she observed numerous cases in which names of influential individuals appeared to be withheld in public releases. In her view, this pattern suggests that decision-makers within the Justice Department may be protecting high-profile figures.

Stansbury also referenced President Donald Trump, noting that his name appears in materials related to the broader investigation. She cited a slideshow produced by the FBI — available on the Department of Justice’s website — that she said lists Trump among individuals examined during the investigation into Epstein’s activities. She emphasized that being named or investigated does not equate to proof of wrongdoing, but she questioned whether the full scope of information has been shared publicly.

Throughout the discussion, Stansbury underscored the international dimensions of the Epstein case. She noted that investigations have taken place in multiple countries, reflecting the global reach of Epstein’s social and professional network. She argued that the redacted documents alone demonstrate extensive communication between Epstein and influential figures around the world, and that additional scrutiny is warranted.

At the heart of her concerns is the treatment of victims. Stansbury criticized what she described as the “unmasking” of some victims in document releases, suggesting that such disclosures could discourage survivors from coming forward. She called for sensitivity and legal compliance in the release process to ensure that victims are protected while accountability is pursued.

Stansbury said members of Congress who have access to the files will continue pressing for full disclosure, within the bounds of the law. She argued that the Justice Department is legally obligated to release names and materials that do not fall under protected categories and said lawmakers intend to push for compliance with transparency requirements.

While acknowledging that conclusive proof of a coordinated global conspiracy has not yet been publicly demonstrated, Stansbury maintained that the breadth of connections in the files demands careful review. She framed her efforts as part of a broader call for accountability and transparency, saying that the public deserves clarity about who was involved in Epstein’s network and whether appropriate investigative steps have been taken.

Her comments add to ongoing debate over how the Epstein case has been handled and what additional information, if any, should be released.