Federal Non-Compliance
Epstein Truth Commission Reports Federal Government Ignoring Subpoenas in Sex Crime Plea Deal Investigation
New Mexico's Epstein Truth Commission says the federal government is refusing to answer its subpoenas, blocking a key investigation into how Jeffrey Epstein secured a lenient plea deal for sex crimes. The commission has issued 20 subpoenas to local, state, and federal agencies, according to WBAL-TV, WISN, and other outlets. Commission chair Andrea Romero confirmed that while most agencies have responded or asked for extensions, federal entities have gone silent.
The Epstein Truth Commission was created to find out how Epstein — a convicted sex offender — walked away in 2008 with what critics call a "sweetheart agreement," according to WGAL. That deal let him serve just 13 months in a county jail with work release, despite federal investigators believing he had abused dozens of underage girls.
Federal Agencies Silent on Epstein Subpoenas
Of the 20 subpoenas sent out, local and state agencies have responded with documents or requests for more time, according to WISN. But federal agencies have not responded at all. Commission chair Andrea Romero said the lack of response from the federal government is a serious problem for the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has not handed over any information related to flights connected to Epstein, according to KMBC. That office played a major role in earlier Epstein-related federal cases. The Federal Aviation Administration has also been named among those receiving subpoenas, WISN reported.
Barry Krischer Called to Testify Under Oath
The commission has called on Barry Krischer, a former Florida state attorney, to testify under oath. The call came just three days after a hearing where Krischer was questioned about his role in approving Epstein's 2008 plea deal, according to WLKY and WVTM13.
Critics say Krischer's office steered the case away from a stronger prosecution, allowing Epstein to avoid federal prison time. The commission wants answers about who approved the deal and why. Putting Krischer under oath could force clearer answers than the hearing produced, according to KCCI.
What the Commission Is Trying to Prove
The Epstein Truth Commission argues that Epstein's 2008 deal was not just lenient — it was a deliberate cover-up that let him keep abusing victims, according to KOCO and WMTW. The commission believes powerful people helped Epstein avoid real consequences. Its goal is to name those people and put the facts on record.
The commission is focused heavily on flight records. Epstein's private jets reportedly carried high-profile passengers, and investigators believe those records could show who knew about his crimes. The FAA subpoena is aimed at getting those logs, but so far federal agencies are not cooperating, according to WMUR.
What Happens If Subpoenas Keep Being Ignored
The commission has limited power to force federal agencies to comply. Unlike a court subpoena backed by a judge, a state commission's subpoena to a federal body sits in legal gray area. If agencies keep ignoring the requests, the commission may have to take the fight to court, according to WISN and KMBC.
The standoff puts a spotlight on how hard it is for a state-level body to get answers from federal officials. Commission chair Romero has not said what the next step will be. But her public statement that the federal government is not responding signals she is ready to make the conflict very public.
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