In a significant development in the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal, a federal judge has ruled that the identities of more than 150 individuals mentioned in court documents must be made public. The order, signed by Judge Loretta A. Preska on Monday, applies to sex abuse victims, litigation witnesses, Epstein's employees, and even individuals with peripheral connections to the scandal.

The disclosure, set to take place by January 1, comes after years of review by Judge Preska of documents requested by the Miami Herald in a civil case brought forward by one of Epstein's victims. While many records were previously released to the public, this latest ruling focuses on portions that were initially withheld due to privacy concerns.

Judge Preska noted that many of the individuals whose names are to be disclosed had already been publicly identified, either through media interviews or at the trial of Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, which took place two years ago. The judge determined that their names should be made public, as they have already emerged in various ways.

However, Preska also recognized the need for confidentiality in certain cases, particularly when it comes to individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged abuse by Epstein and who have sought to protect their privacy. Thus, some portions of the records will remain confidential to safeguard the identities of these victims.

The Epstein case has captivated public attention, giving rise to numerous conspiracy theories about the involvement of influential figures in sex trafficking. Nevertheless, the focus of the three criminal cases initiated by federal and state authorities has centered around Epstein's own alleged sexual abuse and the facilitation of it by Ghislaine Maxwell.

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He was accused of enticing underage girls to his homes under the pretense of providing massages and then subjecting them to sexual exploitation.

Meanwhile, Maxwell, now 61, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted in December 2021 of aiding Epstein in recruiting and sexually abusing underage girls.

As the public awaits the disclosure of over 150 names associated with the Epstein case, the ruling by Judge Preska marks a step towards greater transparency and accountability in this high-profile scandal. The release of these identities will inevitably bring new scrutiny and discussions regarding the potential involvement of powerful individuals in Epstein's activities.