The July 2, 2019, federal indictment titled “United States v. Jeffrey Epstein” outlines allegations of a sex trafficking conspiracy involving minors across multiple states.
📄 Overview of Allegations
The indictment accuses Jeffrey Epstein of orchestrating a sex trafficking ring from at least 2002 through 2005. He allegedly exploited minors, some as young as 14, by recruiting them for illegal sex acts at his residences in Manhattan and Palm Beach.
“Epstein sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations.”
🧑🤝🧑 Recruitment and Abuse of Minors
Epstein is charged with enticing underage girls under the guise of providing them with money for massages. These sessions reportedly escalated to sexual abuse.
“Victims were initially recruited to provide Epstein with massages, which were performed nude or partially nude, and during which Epstein would escalate the encounter to include one or more sex acts.”
🔁 Pattern of Exploitation
The indictment details a systematic approach where Epstein allegedly paid victims to recruit additional minors, perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
“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.”
📍 Locations of Criminal Activity
The alleged criminal activities took place in Epstein’s residences in New York and Florida, with the indictment emphasizing the interstate nature of the offenses.
“Epstein maintained a vast network of underage victims, many of whom were recruited in Florida and New York.”
⚖️ Charges and Legal Proceedings
Epstein faces charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The indictment seeks forfeiture of assets used in the commission of these crimes.
“As a result of the offenses alleged in this Indictment, the Government seeks forfeiture of all property, real and personal, involved in the offenses.”
🔚 Conclusion
The indictment presents a detailed account of alleged systematic sexual exploitation of minors by Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting a pattern of abuse and recruitment spanning several years and locations.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/1180481/dl