Federal prosecutors have sided with The New York Times in requesting that a judge unseal a purported suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in federal custody in 2019.

The prosecutors filed their position Monday with a judge in White Plains, New York, supporting the newspaper's petition to make the document public. The contents and authenticity of the purported note have not been disclosed.

Separately, four victims of Epstein have approached New York state lawmakers seeking changes to existing legislation that currently prevents individuals from pursuing punitive damages against the estate of a deceased person. The victims are asking for modifications to state law that would allow such legal action to proceed.

Epstein died in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide by the New York City medical examiner. The circumstances surrounding his death and the handling of related legal matters have continued to generate public interest and legal proceedings.

The unsealing petition represents part of ongoing efforts by news organizations and other parties to access documents related to Epstein's case. Meanwhile, the push for legislative changes reflects victims' continued pursuit of legal remedies through the court system.