Maria Farmer, a former employee of Jeffrey Epstein, reported to the FBI in 1996 that the financier sought “child pornography” and threatened to “burn her house down” if she disclosed it, according to newly released Department of Justice (DOJ) files.
Farmer, who assisted Epstein in acquiring artwork, filed the complaint on September 3, 1996. Speaking to The New York Times, she said she feels “vindicated” after decades of trying to alert authorities.
“I can’t believe it. They can’t call me a liar anymore,” she said.
Farmer’s report detailed that she had photographed her younger sisters, ages 12 and 16, for personal art projects.
Some images were nude, and Epstein allegedly stole them and pressured her to photograph other minors at swimming pools.
The FBI did not open a formal investigation until 2006, nearly a decade later, which culminated in Epstein’s controversial 2008 Florida plea deal.
In a lawsuit filed in May against the FBI, Farmer accused the bureau of failing to meet legal obligations despite clear regulations and policies.
She also urged authorities to investigate Epstein’s associates, including Ghislaine Maxwell, and individuals who socialized with him, including former President Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump.
“The FBI, in violation of its mandatory obligations under regulations and DOJ policies, chose to do absolutely nothing,” Farmer said.
The complaint, released with Farmer’s name redacted, identifies her as a professional artist and details Epstein’s alleged theft of her sisters’ photos, attempts to have her photograph additional minors, and threats of arson if she spoke out.
The Baltimore Sun reports that Farmer confirmed that some of the images included nudity.
Farmer also recalled a 1995 encounter with Trump at Epstein’s Manhattan office.
She said Trump stared at her bare legs until Epstein interceded, stating, “No, no, she’s not here for you.’”
White House communications director Steven Cheung disputed the account, saying Trump “kicked [Epstein] out of his club for being a creep,” according to The Independent.
After being sexually assaulted, Farmer left Epstein and later discovered her sisters’ photos were missing.
Her sister Annie testified at Maxwell’s federal trial that she was invited to Epstein’s New Mexico ranch at age 16, where Epstein allegedly climbed into bed with her while Maxwell gave her a massage, including touching her bare chest.
Maxwell is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking.
The release of thousands of previously undisclosed documents is part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the DOJ to make unclassified records public.
The slow rollout has drawn criticism, prompting Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to explore legal options after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated some documents would remain withheld.
Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) have sought contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi over incomplete disclosures.
Blanche said agencies are reviewing files to protect victims’ identities and promised additional releases in the coming weeks.
The newly released records shed light on Epstein’s early predatory conduct, the FBI’s delayed response and unaddressed threats to minors.
Farmer said the documents validate her decades-long attempts to alert authorities and highlight ongoing questions about accountability in handling Epstein’s crimes.
The files also underscore the importance of transparency in investigating powerful figures connected to Epstein.
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