A member of Congress, already under scrutiny for texting with Jeffrey Epstein during official proceedings, now faces a deeper examination following the release of a new trove of Epstein files. The documents reveal a pattern of communication extending over several years, raising serious questions about the nature of their relationship.
Emails from 2014, years after Epstein’s conviction for sex crimes in Florida, show Delegate Stacey Plaskett arranging a visit to Epstein’s infamous island. An assistant directly inquired if she would be available to meet with Epstein on August 18th, suggesting a pre-planned engagement.
The correspondence didn’t end there. Records indicate continued contact in 2017, with Epstein’s assistant scheduling a private “phone date” between the two. Further emails reveal Epstein persistently attempting to reach Plaskett by phone, eventually succeeding.
The newly surfaced files demonstrate Plaskett actively sought Epstein’s assistance with campaign donations in both 2017 and 2018. This suggests a transactional element to their interactions, beyond simple social exchange.
In September 2018, Plaskett sent a text expressing gratitude for Epstein’s “ideas and thoughts,” even going so far as to call him a “friend.” Epstein readily accepted the label, responding with a simple, “Privileged to be called friend.”
Their exchanges took on a personal tone, with Epstein even remembering Plaskett’s birthday. When questioned about how he knew the date, he casually revealed she had shared it during a visit to his office, a detail she acknowledged with a curt, “You’re good.”
The interactions weren’t limited to polite exchanges. During a February 2019 House hearing, Epstein sent a text commenting on Plaskett’s attire: “Great outfit.” She responded with a simple “Thanks!”
The bizarre communication continued even as Plaskett was actively participating in the hearing. Epstein texted her, noticing she was making chewing motions, and asked, “Are you chewing?” Her reply revealed a personal quirk, admitting it was a “bad habit from middle school.”
Immediately after Plaskett concluded questioning a key witness, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, Epstein sent a congratulatory message: “Good work.” This timing raises questions about the influence, if any, Epstein had on her line of questioning.
A motion to censure Plaskett was brought before the House in November, ultimately failing to pass. Critics argued that anyone seeking guidance from a convicted predator, particularly during official proceedings, should not hold a position on the Intelligence Committee.
The core argument centered on restoring trust in an institution already facing public skepticism. The incident underscores the ethical concerns surrounding relationships between public officials and individuals with a history of serious criminal behavior.
