Ghislaine Maxwell likely to testify virtually in near future about Epstein, Krishnamoorthi says

Illinois’ congressional delegation spends countless hours in committees on finance, health, education and more. And often, the wonky proceedings don’t garner much attention, no matter how worthy the subject matter.

Then there’s the notorious Jeffrey Epstein files, which Schaumburg Democrat U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi finds himself in the thick of as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

The disgraced financier’s 2019 death by suicide in jail after his arrest for sex trafficking of minors has provoked multiple conspiracy theories.

The Oversight Committee is in the midst of a probe into who Epstein’s clients were and whether prosecutors mishandled his case.

Krishnamoorthi said he hadn’t spent much time on the issue until “I met with the survivors of the Epstein sex trafficking ring. I thought I would spend 45 minutes with them and go to my next appointment,” he said.

“Instead, I spent 2.5 hours with them and canceled my other appointments because it was so important. What they said was specific and credible. It was gut-wrenching and it convinced me that we have to really figure out what happened here.

“How could this have possibly occurred where there are at least 1,000 victims of this sex-trafficking ring?” Krishnamoorthi told the Daily Herald.

“For the sake of the survivors, getting some accountability and justice for them and for our country — I thought I needed to devote more time to it.”

The Oversight Committee is seeking thousands of documents on the Epstein investigation from the U.S. Justice Department as well as the New Yorker’s estate.

Most recently, the committee made headlines after the release of multiple records from the estate, including a page from a book presented to Epstein on his 50th birthday from famous friends.

Those included a hand-drawn outline of a woman and a salacious commentary purportedly signed by President Donald Trump. The White House denied that Trump was involved or signed the note, saying the signature doesn’t resemble the president’s.

“It’s the strangest birthday note I’ve ever seen and so vulgar,” Krishnamoorthi said. “I have not met a single member of Congress, whether Republican or Democrat, who actually believes (Trump). I think that is his note.

“What it points to is the need for full production of the documents.”

The committee recently heard from former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta, who has been criticized for a plea deal with Epstein in 2008 on charges of soliciting prostitution.

In the future, “I think Ghislaine Maxwell is also going to be interviewed,” Krishnamoorthi said, referring to Epstein’s girlfriend, who was convicted of conspiring to sexually exploit minors and is currently serving a prison sentence.

“That will be very high profile,” Krishnamoorthi said. “She is going to have a lot to answer for. I feel (the hearing) may be conducted virtually as opposed to in-person. I just don’t see people allowing her to leave detention to be interviewed. She really is a flight risk.”

What do constituents in the 8th District think? “What I’m hearing is ‘let’s get the files, let’s get the truth,’ but at the same time also address other legislative business before the Congress,” Krishnamoorthi noted.

“The magnitude of the harm that was done to so many girls — and these are children — it shocks the conscience.”

A Veterans Day tribute in Springfield

Republican state Sens. Don DeWitte of St. Charles and Seth Lewis of Bartlett are inviting constituents to nominate a family member who served in the military to be part of an exhibit in the Capitol Rotunda. Pictures and a brief written story, along with details about your veteran’s service, are requested. Veterans will be profiled as part of the “Honoring All Who Served Display” in the Rotunda between Oct. 28 and Nov. 13.

Submissions may be sent to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, call (217) 782-1154.

· Political roundabout is an occasional column on campaign, legislative and political news with a suburban focus.