Citizen sleuths and major newsrooms race to expose Epstein's hidden network
Hundreds of citizen-journalists are digging through newly released documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network. Among them is Ellie Leonard, a New Jersey mother of four, who has uncovered connections involving high-profile figures. Professional newsrooms, including The New York Times and NBC, are also analysing the files, some using artificial intelligence to speed up the process.
Leonard began her investigation after noticing strong public interest in her early Substack posts about Epstein. She now publishes detailed findings there, driven by a passion for solving complex mysteries. Her work has included documents tied to lawyer Alan Dershowitz, Virginia Giuffre, and a young victim's journal, as well as emails between Epstein and Sarah Ferguson.
Anne P Mitchell, a former law professor, runs a Substack called Notes From the Front, serving as a hub for amateur investigators. The platform provides access to documents and hosts chat groups where findings are shared. Mitchell estimates it could take 15 to 20 years for the full scope of Epstein's activities to emerge.
Major news organisations, such as The Associated Press, CBS, and CNBC, are also scrutinising the files. The New York Times has turned to AI tools to process the material faster, though only a fraction has been reviewed so far. Experts warn that the sheer volume of documents—some potentially unredacted—means both professionals and amateurs will remain busy for years.
Matthew LaPlante, a journalism professor at Utah State University, has raised concerns about misinformation. He stresses the importance of verifying facts, as unscrupulous individuals could spread false or altered details from the Epstein files.
The released documents have created a vast field of investigation, drawing in both independent researchers and established media outlets. With more material possibly yet to surface, the process of uncovering Epstein's network—and its ties to powerful figures—is expected to continue for decades. The challenge now lies in ensuring accuracy as the findings become public.
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