UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JEFFREY EPSTEIN Indictment — Filed July 8, 2019
The federal indictment charged Jeffrey Edward Epstein with two counts:
COUNT ONE — Sex Trafficking Conspiracy From at least 2002 through 2005, Epstein knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, and maintained victims, knowing they were minors, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
COUNT TWO — Sex Trafficking of Minors Epstein engaged in sex trafficking of minors, specifically girls as young as 14, at his residences in Manhattan and Palm Beach.
KEY ALLEGATIONS: The indictment alleged that Epstein created a vast network of underage victims to exploit. He worked with employees and associates who would recruit and schedule victims for encounters at his New York City and Palm Beach residences. Victims were paid hundreds of dollars in cash for each encounter, and were further incentivized to recruit additional victims, creating a pyramid-style recruitment structure.
Epstein's mansion at 9 East 71st Street, Manhattan and his Palm Beach estate at 358 El Brillo Way were identified as primary locations where abuse occurred.
BAIL PROCEEDINGS: Following the indictment, Epstein's defense proposed a bail package valued at approximately $77 million, offering his Manhattan townhouse as collateral. Judge Richard Berman denied bail on July 18, 2019, citing Epstein as a flight risk and danger to the community.
The indictment was unsealed one day after Epstein's arrest at Teterboro Airport on July 6, 2019, upon his return from Paris on a private flight.