The House Oversight Committee released on October 16, 2025, a detailed transcript of its interview with Alexander Acosta, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida who negotiated the controversial 2008 plea deal with financier Jeffrey Epstein. This release is part of the committee’s ongoing probe into the federal handling of Epstein’s case, which has drawn intense criticism over perceived leniency toward Epstein amid serious allegations of sex trafficking and abuse of underage girls.

Acosta’s plea deal allowed Epstein to evade federal charges by serving 13 months in a county jail while pleading guilty only to lesser state prostitution offenses. Under the deal, Epstein registered as a sex offender and paid restitution to some victims. Despite widespread public outcry, Acosta defended the deal during the closed-door interview conducted last month, stating that pursuing a federal trial would have been a “crapshoot.” He argued significant evidentiary challenges existed, as many victims declined to testify or gave inconsistent accounts, which he said could have jeopardized any conviction.

“If we go to trial and roll the dice and lose, what kind of message does that send? It says he got away with it,” Acosta told the House panel, emphasizing that prosecutors aimed to ensure Epstein spent time in jail rather than risk complete acquittal. He also noted jurisdictional ambiguities and the absence of evidence linking Epstein to transporting victims across state lines for federal charges complicated the case.

The transcript reveals Acosta’s frustration with local authorities for permitting Epstein’s work-release program, which allowed him day releases from jail. “We were ticked off he was not confined,” Acosta remarked, highlighting a source of contention within the prosecution team.

House Democrats criticized Acosta’s unwillingness to acknowledge the plea as a “sweetheart deal” and his failure to take responsibility toward the survivors. The committee simultaneously released letters from former U.S. Attorneys General Eric Holder and Merrick Garland, plus former FBI Director James Comey, all stating no direct knowledge relevant to the investigation.

Legal experts observing the case note the transcript sheds light on the complex prosecutorial judgment calls under challenging evidentiary and political circumstances. However, many maintain the deal fell short of justice for survivors and undermined public confidence.

This testimony comes nearly two decades after Epstein’s initial charges and weeks after renewed congressional scrutiny following Epstein’s 2019 death in jail. The House Oversight Committee’s release aims to enhance transparency while fueling the ongoing demand for accountability in how the justice system manages high-profile sexual abuse cases.

In summary, the public availability of Acosta’s transcript offers new insights into the controversial plea deal’s rationale and enforcement issues. The committee’s broader investigation continues to examine institutional failures and work toward stronger safeguards for victims going forward.