Particle.news
Download on the App Store

House Oversight Releases Acosta Transcript, Fueling Renewed Scrutiny of Epstein Plea

The newly released transcript presents Acosta's rationale as the panel pursues broader records.

Overview

  • The committee published a 172-page transcript of Alex Acosta’s Sept. 19 interview along with flight manifests and other records tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Acosta said a mid-2000s federal case was a trial "crapshoot" because many victims would not testify and evidence posed hurdles, so prosecutors pursued a plea to secure jail time, offender registration, and restitution.
  • He testified his office expected continuous confinement and opposed the Palm Beach sheriff’s work-release decision, which he said they formally objected to after learning of it.
  • Acosta denied any knowledge of Epstein ties to U.S. or foreign intelligence and said he never discussed Epstein with President Trump, assertions Republicans highlighted as clearing Trump.
  • Flight logs list numerous prominent passengers without alleging wrongdoing, while Democrats press for more DOJ and state records and a discharge petition to force broader document releases nears a final signature.