Rep. Luna Calls for Epstein Accountability, Criticizes DOJ Plea Deals

Florida congresswoman pushes for public hearings with Epstein survivors and condemns lack of justice for victims.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:53pm

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A moody, cinematic painting of an empty, shadowy government building or courtroom interior, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of unfinished business and lingering questions around the Epstein case.The Epstein scandal's long shadow looms over the halls of power, as calls for accountability and justice remain unfulfilled.Washington Today

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has been urging Republican leaders to hold public hearings with Jeffrey Epstein survivors and is criticizing the Department of Justice over plea deals granted to Epstein associates. Luna says Ghislaine Maxwell should not be the only one in prison, and she is calling for greater accountability in the Epstein case.

Why it matters

The Epstein case has long been criticized for the sweetheart plea deal negotiated by then-U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta, which granted federal immunity to Epstein and his co-conspirators. Luna's calls for public hearings and accountability reflect ongoing concerns that justice has not been fully served for Epstein's victims.

The details

In her remarks, Luna said she has been encouraging Republican leaders to hold public hearings with Epstein survivors, noting that many are scared to come forward due to non-disclosure agreements tied to settlements. She also leveled sharp criticism at the Department of Justice, saying they 'gave plea deals to people that they knew were trafficking people' and that there is 'no justice for the victims that were basically seeing these people get off'.

  • In 2008, a non-prosecution agreement negotiated by then-U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta gave Epstein and his co-conspirators federal immunity in exchange for a state plea deal.
  • In 2019, Acosta resigned as Trump's Labor Secretary when the 2008 plea deal came back under scrutiny.

The players

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican congresswoman from Florida who has been pushing for greater accountability in the Epstein case.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A former associate of Jeffrey Epstein who was convicted and sentenced to prison for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking ring.

Alex Acosta

The former U.S. Attorney who negotiated the 2008 non-prosecution agreement that granted Epstein and his co-conspirators federal immunity.

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What they’re saying

“The Department of Justice gave plea deals to people that they knew were trafficking people. There is no justice for the victims that were basically seeing these people get off. And Ghislaine Maxwell should not be the only one sitting in prison.”

— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, U.S. Representative

What’s next

Rep. Luna said she has been encouraging Republican leaders to hold public hearings with Epstein survivors, which could lead to further investigations and accountability measures.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about the lack of justice and accountability in the Epstein scandal, with calls for the Department of Justice and political leaders to do more to ensure that all of Epstein's co-conspirators face consequences for their actions.