Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) made an unusual defense regarding Rep. Stacey Plaskett’s (D-VI) communication with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, asserting during a recent Congressional hearing that she was merely “taking a call from a constituent.”
In response to the House Freedom Caucus, Plaskett suggested that President Donald Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, should be removed from the House Intelligence Committee, claiming he was “actively guided” by Epstein during his questioning. Raskin questioned, “Where is the ethical violation?”
Raskin, serving as the House Judiciary Committee’s ranking member, commented shortly after the House voted to release documents related to Epstein. He noted, “They want to frame this story as a Democrat who received a phone call from his constituent, Jeffrey Epstein, during a hearing.” He continued that he didn’t believe there was any rule against making phone calls during such sessions. If there are concerns, he suggested those be taken to the Ethics Committee and emphasized that there’s still uncertainty surrounding the charges and violations.
“Take care with your answers. A lot of information is going to emerge,” Raskin added, urging thoughtful consideration behind such judgments.
Recent intelligence documents have revealed communications between Epstein and Plaskett, who is not a voting member from the U.S. Virgin Islands. During a hearing in February 2019, Epstein sent Plaskett a text praising her and commenting on Cohen’s testimony against Trump.
Right after Plaskett’s questioning ended, Epstein followed up with an email thanking her for her efforts.
Years after being convicted of child recruitment for prostitution in 2008, Epstein channeled considerable contributions to campaigns in 2016 and 2018. He owned a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands from 1998 until his death in 2019.
Initially, when federal sex trafficking allegations surfaced in July 2019, Plaskett indicated she would retain her contributions but later changed her stance, promising to donate to organizations in the Virgin Islands supporting women and children.
According to reports, in 2023, six defendants linked to Epstein brought forth charges against U.S. Virgin Islands officials, including Plaskett, claiming complicity and profit from Epstein’s trafficking activities. It’s noted that the case against Plaskett was dismissed earlier this year.
In response to the text messages, Plaskett’s office issued a statement after initial reports, explaining that during hearings, she received various emails from constituents and the public, including some critical of Epstein. They highlighted her dedication to combating sexual assault and human trafficking, her disapproval of Epstein’s actions, and her commitment to victim support.
