NEW YORK (AP) — Newly disclosed government files on Jeffrey Epstein are now providing deeper insights into his connections with wealthy figures after his conviction for sex crimes in Florida, as well as what investigators knew about his exploitation of underage girls before opting not to bring federal charges nearly twenty years ago.

Released on Friday, the documents encompass Epstein’s communications with high-profile individuals, including former White House advisors, an NFL team co-owner, and billionaires like Bill Gates and Elon Musk. The Justice Department announced that over 3 million pages of documents and thousands of videos and images would be made public, aimed at clarifying the material gathered during an extensive investigation into the notorious financier.

Among the newly available records are details concerning Epstein's friendship with Britain’s Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, known as Prince Andrew, and email exchanges with Steve Bannon, former Trump advisor, and Steve Tisch, a co-owner of the New York Giants. The files also offer perspectives into investigations that eventually led to Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking charges and Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction in 2021.

Investigators had initially anticipated indicting Epstein as early as May 2007, as documented by an incomplete indictment that detailed allegations from multiple underage girls, yet the prosecution ultimately concluded with Epstein receiving an 18-month sentence for a lesser state charge instead.

The records are rich with references to notable figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, detailing their interactions with Epstein. Musk contacted Epstein on several occasions regarding visits to a private Caribbean island associated with Epstein’s alleged activities. Spokespeople for Musk did not clarify if these meetings transpired, though Musk has publicly denied any involvement.

The documents also showcase Epstein’s attempts to connect influential individuals with young women, revealing a culture of complicity among the elite that allowed his abusive behavior to thrive unabated. A September release of additional documents had already highlighted various interactions Epstein had with political powerhouses, suggesting his high-profile connections failed to act against his crimes.

The recent disclosures reiterate the previous findings, showing that both Bill Clinton and Donald Trump had previously flown on Epstein’s private jet in the 90s, yet both vehemently denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of his actions. The ultimate lack of accountability for Epstein’s associates continues to raise questions about the justice system and its treatment of elite individuals.

Ghislaine Maxwell, who played an integral role in Epstein’s abuse schemes, remains in prison serving a 20-year sentence following her conviction on sex trafficking charges.

As the revelations continue to unfold, the public remains engaged and vigilant, calling for greater accountability and reform to prevent similar abuses in the future.