Federal judge approves releasing Ghislaine Maxwell case grand jury material

A federal judge has ruled the Justice Department can release investigative materials from the criminal prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell, citing the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Judge Paul Engelmayer has granted the DOJ’s motion to unseal the grand jury transcripts and exhibits in Maxwell’s criminal case with some redactions. The ruling comes just ahead of the Dec. 19 deadline to release records related to the Epstein case. The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the DOJ "to publish (in a searchable and downloadable format) all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in DOJ's possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story; please check back for updates.