LANSING, Mich., May 19, 2025 — Today, state Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) hosted a press conference to reaffirm support for their respective resolutions, HR 258 and 284, calling for accountability for all those implicated in the Epstein files, while discussing next steps. They were joined by state Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.) and fellow Democratic lawmakers.
Tsernoglou’s resolution calls for the creation of a bipartisan select committee in the Michigan legislature which would consist of 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans and would be specifically tasked with investigating the Interlochen Center for the Arts and its ties with Epstein.
“What we’re asking for should not be partisan nor should it be controversial,” Tsernoglou said. “Unfortunately, some of the most influential people in the country are deliberately hiding the truth about Epstein’s crimes, and now a small number of powerful Republicans in the Michigan House are doing the same, preventing a widely popular resolution from reaching a floor vote. They claim to want transparency and accountability, but when given the opportunity to pursue those goals, they reject them. We must investigate Epstein’s ties to Interlochen to figure out if and what wrong doing took place, who was responsible and to ensure Epstein’s many crimes can never happen to another child or woman again. Michiganders deserve answers, plain and simple and that’s what we’re trying to deliver.”
“Children, young kids, were abused, violated and tormented by some of the most powerful people and there must be accountability,” Coffia said. “We cannot continue to protect billionaire predators; the survivors of Epstein deserve more than that and Michiganders deserve answers. That’s why I introduced House Resolution 258. To have all the individuals implicated in the Epstein files to be compelled to testify under oath because the facts must be brought out into the open.”
“As Minority Vice Chair of the House Oversight Committee, I strongly believe it is incumbent on this legislature to figure out how state funds that went to Interlochen were used,” Miller said. “Transparency and accountability shouldn’t be partisan issues. Without a full investigation, we will never get the answers we need in order to trust that taxpayer money isn’t being used for nefarious purposes.”
State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) also introduced House Resolution 285, calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct a full investigation of any person, regardless of political affiliation, mentioned in the Epstein files.
“Too often the wealthy and well-connected operate above the law,” Byrnes said. “That must end because no one — no matter their influence, status or political party — should be beyond the bounds of justice. We must ensure that those responsible for some of the most heinous crimes are not allowed to walk free. We are demanding action, answers and accountability. Survivors deserve nothing less.”
A recording of the press conference can be viewed here.
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