A multi-count federal indictment of Grand Jury charges against billionaire and longtime Clinton ally Jeffery Epstein was unsealed Monday. It alleges abuse against dozens of underage girls. During a search warrant execution, federal agents found nude photos of the girls in Epstein's possession.
"As set forth herein, over the course of many years, Jeffery Epstein, the defendant, sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations," the indictment states. "In particular, from at least in or about 2002, up to and including at least in or about 2005, Jeffery Epstein, the defendant, enticed and recruited, and caused to be enticed and
recruited, minor girls to visit his mansion in Manhattan, New York (the "New York Residence") and his estate in Palm Beach, Florida (the "Palm Beach Residence") to engage in sex acts with him, after which he would give the victims hundreds of dollars in cash. Moreover, and in order to maintain and increase his supply of victims, Epstein also paid certain of his victims to recruit additional girls to be similarly abused by Epstein. In this this way, Epstein created a vast network of underage victims for him to sexually exploit in locations including New York and Palm Beach."
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman: "While the charged conduct is from a number of years ago, it is still profoundly important to the many alleged victims—now young women. They deserve their day in court. We are proud to be standing up for them." https://t.co/zs3lO88kZ4 pic.twitter.com/HvUYWo3fXF
— ABC News (@ABC) July 8, 2019
There is no ignorance here and Epstein allegedly sought out girls specially because they were vulnerable and underage.
"The victims described herein were as young as 14 years old at the time they were abused by Jeffrey Epstein, the defendant, and were, for various reasons, often particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Epstein intentionally sought out minors and knew that many of his victims were in fact under the 'age of 18, including because, in some instances, minor victims expressly told him their age," the indictment continues.
Recruitment was also done by Epstein's employees, who often escorted the girls to a private room where he would be waiting.
Epstein was arrested on Saturday afternoon at 5:30 pm et. He will be arraigned in court Monday afternoon.
As for Epstein's high profile friends who also may have also participated in his crimes, prosecutors aren't talking.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman says he will not comment on any individuals who may or may not be associated with Epstein.
— ABC News (@ABC) July 8, 2019
"My answer will be 'no comment.' That will be across the board...I urge you not to read anything into that one way or the other."https://t.co/zs3lO8pVQC pic.twitter.com/nYrk0VIII5
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