Overview
- Newly released House Oversight records from Epstein’s estate include redacted, timestamped texts sent in real time during Michael Cohen’s February 2019 testimony.
- A Washington Post analysis matched the message times and on-camera moments to conclude the unnamed lawmaker was likely Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Plaskett’s office confirmed she received texts during the hearing, including from Epstein, while declining to verify specific exchanges or provide further details.
- The messages referenced Rhona Graff and tracked the hearing minute by minute, aligning with Plaskett’s subsequent questions; outlets note the records do not allege wrongdoing.
- The texts are part of more than 20,000 pages released to Congress, and the House is set to vote next week on disclosing additional Epstein-related files.