The US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has issued a subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi to appear for a deposition over the Justice Department’s handling of the investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a letter released Tuesday.

Committee Chairman James Comer said in a statement that the panel is reviewing “the possible mismanagement of the federal government’s investigation of Mr. Jeffrey Epstein and (his associate) Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell,” as well as “the circumstances and subsequent investigations of Mr. Epstein’s death” and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

In a letter dated March 17, Comer said the committee is reviewing the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death, the broader operation of sex-trafficking networks and whether federal authorities properly handled related evidence and disclosures.

The committee also aims to assess the Justice Department’s role in collecting, reviewing and releasing materials tied to Epstein and his associates, with potential legislative reforms under consideration.

Bondi has been asked to appear for a deposition on April 14, according to the letter.

Epstein was found dead in his New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. In 2008, he pleaded guilty in a court in the state of Florida to procuring a minor for prostitution, but critics call the relatively minor conviction a “sweetheart deal.”

His victims have alleged that he operated a sprawling sex trafficking network that was used by members of the wealthy and political elite. (Anadolu Agency)