US lawmakers urge new Epstein investigations in damning report

US lawmakers have called for additional criminal investigations into individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein, the infamous sex offender, according to a scathing report. The committee, led by Republicans, accused prosecutors, financial institutions, and Epstein's powerful connections of enabling his abuse for years. The scandal has impacted President Donald Trump, who has vehemently denied any involvement in covering up the investigation.

The report recommended the Justice Department interview key witnesses and pursue allegations against two prominent men, Philip Levine and Frederic Fekkai, who both deny sex assault allegations from Epstein's assistant, Sarah Kellen. The committee also urged the questioning of Lesley Groff, another longtime Epstein aide, over her possible knowledge of his crimes.

Groff claimed she had never suspected Epstein of sexually abusing women and girls, but investigators deemed her testimony uncredible. The report stated that Epstein's crimes after 2005 could have been prevented if federal investigators had pursued the original allegations more aggressively. Epstein was accused of continuing to abuse women even during his 13-month prison term, enjoying work-release privileges.

Financial institutions, particularly American Express, were also blamed for overlooking suspicious transactions and signs of human trafficking. The report criticized the Justice Department for exposing survivors' private information during the release of Epstein's files. Democrats, who recently gained control of Congress, vowed to continue investigating Epstein's network when they assume power in January.

Epstein was found dead in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.