Epstein Investigator Finds Her Own Travel Records Inside Justice Department Files, Raising New Questions
The journalist whose reporting helped bring infamous millionaire Jeffrey Epstein back into federal detention is now questioning why her personal travel information appears in DOJ filings.
Miami Herald investigative writer Julie K. Brown expects to be included in newly revealed Epstein-related papers because her research helped restart the probe. She was surprised to see detailed flight logs among the Justice Department’s tens of thousands of documents.
Brown said the records were part of a grand jury subpoena for American Airlines company information. The evidence includes her July 2019 flight schedule, days before Epstein was detained by federal officials in New York. The itinerary uses her maiden name, which she does not use professionally, so she knows it’s about her.
Brown said the flight data matched her Austin-Little Rock round trip. She was due to fly home on July 8, 2019, the day federal agents arrested Epstein. Brown publicly questioned why the Justice Department had access to and stored her travel records due to the time and personal information.
Brown publicly questioned why a journalist’s private flight records would be in a Justice Department Epstein database. She claims the department has not explained how or why this data was obtained or stored.
Brown’s reporting experience supports her fears. In November 2018, she published a three-part investigative series, Perversion of Justice, exposing how Epstein evaded major punishment for sex trafficking and abuse charges years earlier. The series revealed justice system shortcomings and refocused attention on Epstein.
In July 2019, Southern District of New York federal prosecutors charged Epstein with new crimes due to that reporting. Epstein committed suicide in August 2019 in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York while awaiting sex trafficking trial.
Brown’s travel records have prompted comments from lawmakers and journalists. The House Oversight Committee publicly asked the Department of Justice to explain why a journalist’s travel information is in the Epstein files. They stressed journalistic freedom and government transparency.
California Representative Ro Khanna praised Brown for exposing Epstein and urged the Justice Department to address questions. Other journalists and media figures questioned whether a reporter researching a strong and well-connected character was monitored during that time.
The case has prompted worries about government record-keeping, federal subpoenas, and press protection while investigating malfeasance. The existence of Brown’s personal information in official files has prompted federal officials to explain their actions, even though no evidence has been produced.
The Department of Justice has not explained why Brown’s flight itinerary was included in Epstein data. Given the importance of a free press and investigative journalism in holding powerful organizations responsible, Brown feels the public deserves an answer.
As journalists, lawmakers, and press freedom supporters await the Justice Department’s response, the matter remains prominent.
Sources
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability
